3/3
The Billionaire’s Sudden Bride
Chapter 36: I Need Mrs. Stark, Not Just Summer Taylor
Brandon’s POV
Vini can’t be series. Sean’s voice dropped in a whisper as demeanor replaced by genuine shock,
watched Summer bury herself in the kitchen, hir usual playful
I allowed myself a dangerous smile, enjoying his reaction. Have you ever known me to joke about such things?
“Brandon…” His eyes narrowed as he studied my expression. Have you lost your mind? shes nothing like
The temperature in the rooms dropped severall degrees as fixed him with it told stare, cutting off whatever had been about to sy Sean might be one of my closest friends, but some topics were off lits. He knew that better than anyone..
“Whatever you’re planning.” he continued in a lower voice, Summer innocent in all this. If she knew the truth about-
“I know exactly what Tm doing My tone looked no argument. “The doesn’t require your interference, Sommer is my wife now. It’s that simple.”
Sean ran a hand through his hair, a gesture I recognized from our college days his tell when he was genuinely worried. “Simple? Will the Stark family accept her? You know better than anyone how deep Wall Street’s waters run.”
that why you’re opposed?” I couldn’t help the slight amusement that crept into my voice. Sean had always been the most straightforward of our group, wearing his concerns on his sleeve
He wisely changed the subject, though his eyes remained troubled. Just… be careful. Not everyone adapts well to our world.”
“Like how you chose to be a surgeon instead of taking over family business?” I kept my tone light, but we both knew the weight behind those words. The Sullivans were one of New York’s most powerful family. But Sean had never cared about any of that
I still remembered the uproar his decision had caused. The entire Sutivan family had opposed his choice to become a surgeon rather than take over the family business. Even now, years later, the tension remained palpable at any Sullivan family gathering. But Sean had always been stubbornly independent, following his own path regardless of others‘ opinions. He’d chosen surgery despite unanimous family opposition, and looking at him now, it was clear he had no regrets.
“My
decisions, like yours, don’t require others approval.” I continued
Sean shrugged, some of his usual humor returning “Come on, I became a surgeon specifically to avoid all this financial district. drama.
The sound of plates clinking in the kitchen drew both our attention Summer moved with unconscious grace as she prepared dinner, completely unaware of our conversation. Something in my chest tightened at the sight of her in my space, so naturally domestic it
almost hurt.
Dinner’s ready,” she called, her voice carrying that hint of uncertainty that made me want to both protect and possess her.
“Brandon,” Sean’s grin turned mischievous as we moved toward the dining room, “who would have thought Mrs. Stark would be such a domestic goddess?”
“Just eat.” But I couldn’t quite hide my satisfaction at his use of her new title.
Summer set down a perfectly arranged plate in front of me, her cheeks flushing slightly as our fingers brushed. ‘I’m sorry if it’s not up to restaurant standards…”
“Much better than hospital cafeteria food, Sean assured her with that easy charm that had half of Manhattan’s society women
1/3
Chapter 36: I Need Mrs. Stark, Not Just Summer Taylor
swooning. “You know, there aden I many Manhattan socialites when stol cook these days.”
“Please have more if you like it.” The shy pride in her voice made something possessive stir in my chest.
I watched her take small, careful bites, hyperaware of every movement. When a strand of hair fell across her face, I couldn’t resist reaching out to brush it back, enjoying how she froze at my touch.
“The food will get cold,” she mumbled, trying to hide her reaction.
Sean’s eyes danced with barely suppressed amusement. “Mrs. Stork, you should know – Brandon isn’t nearly this gentle normally.
“Sean.” I let just enough warning seep into my voice. “Didn’t you just finish surgery?”
“Not tired at He backtracked quickly. “Summer’s cooking is really excellent.”
After dinner, as we moved to the living room, Sean brought up the irvitable: “Now that you’re married, when are we getting together with the others?”
I glanced at Summer, noting how she tensed at the mention of social obligations. “When she’s ready,”
flexible schedules than you finance types. It’d be great to get Edward and
“Anytime works for me – us surgeons have way more fi everyone together.
Summer’s eyes widened slightly. “The Wall Street Four Kings… thats the group people always talked about?”
“You’ve heard of us?” I couldn’t help the pleased note that crept into my voice,
“At Columbia,” she admitted, not meeting my eyes. “Students used to talk about you all the time.”
ed in me even back then?” I couldn’t resist teasing her, enjoying how her cheeks nushed darker.
“So you were interested in
“Mr. Stark, please don’t joke!” She twisted her fingers nervously. “I didn’t even know you then. It was just campus gossip.”
Once Sean had finally left, I turned to find Summer still looking adombly flustered. “It’s getting late, Let’s go home, Mrs. Stark”
“Could you… not call me that?” The way she ducked her head made something warm unfurl in my chest.
to your
new identity.”
ow why I’m not introducing you to anyone else
“Why not?” I kept my voice gentle but firm. “We’re legally married now. You need to get used
She hit her lower lip, a gesture that never failed to capture my attention. “Do you know why I’m not
yet?
“Why?” Her voice came out small, uncertain.
Because I need Mrs. Stark, not just Summer Taylor.” I watched the words land, nuting how her eyes widened slightly. “Until you fully accept that identity, I won’t introduce you to anyone. Do you understand?”
I’m sorry.” She wouldn’t meet my eyes.
“I give you time to adjust. Looking at her now still shy, still uncertain, but trying so hard – I felt that dangerous rise again. Welf, I thought, watching her fidget under my gaze. She’ll understand exactly what it means to be Mrs. Stark.
iveness
