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Chapter 205
Summer’s POV
Morning sunlight streamed through the curtains as I groaned, every muscle in my body protesting as I tried to move. My lower back ached, and my legs felt like jelly. I blinked blearily at the clock–7:45 AM. I was definitely going to be late.
“Hey?” Brandon’s voice came from the doorway, amusement evident in his tone. He was already dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, looking frustratingly refreshed and energetic. “You’re going to be late
“You’re sleeping in the guest room tonight,” I announced, not bothering to hide my annoyance. “I’m serious this time.
Brandon’s eyes narrowed slightly before his lips curved into that infuriating smile. He crossed the room in a few strides, one hand bracing against the headboard as he leaned down to press a gentle kies to my forehead.
“Come on, get up. Breakfast is ready,” he said, his voice warm and coaxing.
I pushed him away, raising my hands in mock threat. “Did you not hear what I said? Tonight, you’re in the guest room. I’m not kidding around!”
I sucked in a sharp breath as pain shot through my lower back when tried to sit up. “Brandon, just… stay away from me right now.”
He squinted slightly, reaching out to ruffle my hair. “Are you seriously angry? Look, I’m sorry. I’ll try to show more restraint next time, I promise. I won’t let my wife get so tired.”
“Is that really the issue?” I scoffed, utterly unconvinced. “You say that every time, but you never follow through. I’m not falling for it again!” I threw back the covers and climbed out of bed, wincing as I did so. I physically pushed him toward the door, my hands flat against his chest. “Out. Now.”
I managed to get him into the hallway and quickly shut the door, turning the lock with a satisfying click. “Don’t think I’ll forgive you so easily this time,” I called through the door.
When I finally made my way downstairs, a delicious aroma hit me immediately. I paused at the foot of the stairs, sniffing appreciatively.
“Is that… congee?” I asked in disbelief, peering into the dining room
Brandon waved me over from his seat at the table. “Come and eat.”
I practically skipped over, my earlier irritation forgotten at the sight of a perfect bowl of corn congee steaming on the table. “How did you know I was craving corn congee?” I asked, delighted.
“Hurry up and eat,” he urged, checking his watch. “We’re running late
After a few blissful moments of silence, I suddenly remembered something important. Oh I can’t go to work with you today,” I announced, looking up from my bowl.
Brandon’s eyes met mine, his spoon pausing midway to his mouth. Why not?”
“Did you forget what happened yesterday?” I reminded him. “Your cousin Elle works at Stark Group now. We almost got caught yesterday in the parking garage.”
I continued explaining, not immediately noticing how Brandon’s expression had darkened.
“I was thinking I could take a cab or-” I looked up and stopped mid sentence. Brandon’s eyes had turned cold, his jawline rigid.
1/3
Chapter 205
“What’s wrong?” I asked uncertainly, swallowing hard.
“Are you afraid of her finding out?‘ he asked, his voice eerily calm. 1 our relationship something you’re ashamed of? June, are you really that reluctant to let people know about us?”
I couldn’t help it–I burst out laughing, nearly choking on my congee “Pfft!
“You’re angry because I don’t want Elle to know we’re together?” I asked incredulously after I’d recovered. “Brandon, I had no idea you had such a short fuse!”
Brandon’s eyebrow arched dangerously, his narrow eyes flashing with something that might have intimidated me if I hadn’t known him so well.
“We’ve discussed this a million times, haven’t we?” I explained patiently. “It’s not that I don’t want people to know. I just think we need to take it slow. At first, I didn’t want to publicly announce our marriage because I was worried the Taylors would try to use our relationship to get favors from you.”
I set down my spoon, resting my chin in my hand. “But now, it’s different. You’re a Stark, and you know how your family might react. Your mother seems dead set on Elle being with you. If they found out about me now, wouldn’t that create a huge mess? Not just for
me, but for you too.”
“Are you bothered by Elle’s presence?” he asked directly, lifting his gaze to meet mine.
I blinked in surprise at his bluntness, then smiled thoughtfully. Was bothered? Of course I was. I was Brandon’s lawfully wedded wife, legally and in every way that mattered. Yet hardly anyone knew while Brandon’s mother was actively trying to set him up with someone else. No woman would be cool with that situation.
“Brandon,” I finally said, “if I admitted I’m bothered by Elle, would you think I’m being unreasonable?*
I bit my lip nervously, watching his reaction carefully.
To my surprise, Brandon actually laughed—a genuine laugh that transformed his face entirely.
“Brandon?” I asked, confused by his reaction.
The ice in his expression melted completely, his usual calm returning. “Not at all. In fact, I’m glad you’re bothered by her.”
His mouth curled into a slight smile. “If she bothers you, I’ll have her removed immediately.”
“No, that’s not necessary,” I protested quickly. “I’m just thinking out loud.”
In reality, I knew it wasn’t that simple. Elle was Jane Sinclair’s adopted daughter. If Brandon forced her out, his already strained. relationship with his mother would certainly deteriorate further.
“You don’t need to consider my feelings,” Brandon insisted, his voice firm. “If her presence bothers you, I’ll a way to make her
leave.”
He stood and came around the table, placing his hands on my shoulders. “No one is more important than you. Remember that.”
I tilted my head back to look up at him, reaching up to trace his jawline with my finger. “You’re getting better and better at this!
You know that?”
I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it. I appreciate the thought, but I know you don’t have feelings for her, and I’m confident about
that.”
