Chapter 140
Summer’s POV
I smoothed down the silky fabric of my dress, turning to catch my reflection from different angles. The white cocktail dress was perfectly tailored–not flashy, but elegant enough for Victoria’s wedding. I’d deliberately chosen something understated, a dress that would help me blend into the background.
That was the goal. Get in, make an appearance, then get out. No drama.
With a final twist, I secured my pearl earring and assessed the full effect. My makeup was minimal, hair pulled into a simple updo with a few loose strands framing my face.
The prickling sensation of being watched made me turn. Brandon leaned against the doorframe, a silk tie dangling from his fingers, his dark eyes fixed on me with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. He was already dressed in a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, but his gaze wasn’t casual–it was pure, undisguised hunger.
“What?” I asked nervously. “Is something wrong?”
Brandon remained silent, his chest rising and falling with deliberate breaths.
“Brandon? Say something!”
“You look gorgeous,” he finally replied, his voice dropping to that low register that always sent shivers down my spine.
I exhaled with relief. “God, you scared me! The way you were staring, I thought I had lipstick on my teeth.”
“There is a problem,” Brandon countered, stepping closer.
“What?” My hands flew to my hair.
“You,” he said simply. “You’re the problem.” His fingertips traced my bare shoulder. “You’re too beautiful. So beautiful that I want to keep you all to myself, tucked away where no one else can see you. I want to carry you in my pocket everywhere I go. No other man
should look at you.”
I realized I’d been standing frozen, and Brandon’s expression shifted to concern.
“Does that bother you?” he asked. “When I say things like that… do you think I’m being too controlling?”
cup his face. “And no, I don’t think you’re being controlling. Well, you are–but only with me. And honestly? Every woman dreams of having her husband say things like that.” I leaned in. “Besides, women have a thing for powerful, possessive men. And you, Mr. Stark, are definitely the ultimate version of that fantasy.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “Are you kidding? That’s the sweetest thing anyone’s ever said to me.” I reached
His smile widened as he pulled me against him. “I’m, but only for June,” he murmured. “Only for you.”
I melted into him before reluctantly pulling back. “We should get going.”
“About that,” I began carefully, watching his reflection as he returned to his tie. “I think we should arrive separately.”
His hands stilled, eyes meeting mine in the mirror.
“I know that’s not what you want to hear,” I hurried on, “but hardly anyone knows we’re married. If we show up together at Victoria’s wedding, people will definitely start asking questions.”
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Chapter 140
Brandon’s jaw tightened.
“I know,” I said, stepping up to help with his tie. “But I promise, we’ll just make a brief appearance, then we can leave early, And afterward, how about we go catch a movie?”
His expression softened slightly. “You’re really pushing for this separate arrival thing.”
“It’s not that I’m ashamed of us,” I explained. “It’s just that we’re not ready for the drama. Victoria would make a scene, and your family doesn’t even know yet.” I finished adjusting his tie. “I’m trying to spare us both unnecessary headaches.
“Alright,” Brandon conceded. “But I won’t pretend I like it.”
“I know you don’t. But Victoria is still my sister, and if I don’t show up, she’ll use it against me somehow.” I squeezed his hands.
‘Don’t worry, she can’t hurt me anymore. I have you.”
Brandon nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “Go ahead then. I’ll follow–shortly.”
I pulled the red Porsche into the Ritz–Carlton’s parking area, Brandon had insisted I take it-“If we’re arriving separately, at least arrive in style,” he’d said.
The white dress against the red leather created a statement that felt decidedly un–Summer–like. But maybe that was the point. I wasn’t the same old Summer anymore.
The grand ballroom was already packed. I scanned the crowd, immediately sensing Alexander’s gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made me uncomfortable. Even from a distance, I could read the naked longing on his face.
I slipped through the crowd and finally spotted Ruby and Scarlett in a corner, sampling hors d’oeuvres.
“There you are!” Ruby exclaimed. “I was beginning to think you’d bailed.”
Scarlett eyed my dress approvingly. “You look amazing. Perfectly understated. Makes Victoria look even more over–the–top by
comparison.”
“So,” Ruby glanced around, “where’s the husband? Don’t tell me you left him at home.”
“He’ll be here,” I assured her. “We just thought it would be better to arrive separately.”
Ruby rolled her eyes. “God forbid the great Brandon Stark cause a scene.”
“Please keep your voices down,” I hissed. “And remember, you promised–not a word about us.”
“Our lips are sealed,” Scarlett promised. “Though I still think you’re missing a golden opportunity to see Victoria’s face when she realizes you’ve married someone a thousand times more impressive than Alexander.”
“Maybe someday,” I said. “But today is not that—”
“Oh my god, he’s here!” Ruby suddenly whispered, her eyes fixed over my shoulder. “Look at everyone’s reaction!”
I turned and immediately understood. Brandon had arrived, and as always, his presence transformed the entire room. Conversations halted as people nudged each other and whispered.
Alexander’s father immediately rushed forward, his face split in an ingratiating smile. Richard Taylor followed close behind.
“Brandon, my dear nephew!” Old Alexander called out loudly. “How wonderful of you to join us on this joyous occasion!”
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Chapter 140
Brandon’s expression remained coolly polite, though I detected disgust in his eyes. Without a word, he signaled to James, who stepped forward with a crisp red envelope.
“Mr. Taylor, Brandon said, addressing Richard directly and completely ignoring old Alexander’s attempt at familiarity. Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding. Please accept this small token of my regard.”
Richard looked momentarily stunned. “Mr. Stark, this is… most generous. We’re honored by your presence.”
Old Alexander looked crestfallen at being dismissed, but quickly tried to recover. “Brandon, you must meet the rest of the family!”
Brandon’s voice took on an edge of boredom. “Actually, I’m looking for Mr. George Taylor. We have a standing chess engagement, and he promised me a rematch today.”
A collective “Ah!” of understanding rippled through the guests. So Brandon Stark wasn’t here for Alexander or Victoria at all–he was here because of George Taylor, my grandfather.
As Brandon moved through the crowd, I caught his eye briefly. The corner of his mouth twitched in that secret smile meant only for me, and I felt warmth spread through my chest.
Tonight would be interesting, to say the least.
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