Brandon’s POV
Sunlight streamed through the partially opened curtains as I reviewed quarterly reports on my laptop. June was still asleep on the far side of the bed, curled up in a nest of blankets. I closed my computer, setting it aside to watch her.
She finally stirred, stretching before sitting up groggily. Her eyes widened when she saw the time.
“One o’clock?” Her voice rose in panic. “Why didn’t you wake me?”
I shrugged, offering her water. “You needed the rest.”
June took a sip, then suddenly froze. Pulling back the covers, she examined the trail of marks across her skin–her lips, neck, collarbone, and thighs all bore evidence of my attention.
“Oh my god,” she groaned, slapping her forehead. Summer, you idiot When will you ever learn to say no?”
I slipped out while she continued her self–admonishment, heading downstairs to my makeshift office in the living room. I heard her footsteps on the stairs minutes later.
June stood at the landing, wearing one of my shirts that hung to mid–thigh. Her eyes held a hint of accusation, and she was
gripping the banister–her legs clearly still unsteady.
“Finally up?” I asked, setting aside my work.
She didn’t answer, but the slight wobble in her stance told me everything.
I smiled. “Come here,” I beckoned.
“No,” she declared, crossing her arms. “And tonight, you’re sleeping in the guest room.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What exactly are you suggesting?”
“I’m not suggesting anything. You’re not allowed in our bedroom tonight.”
I leaned back. “So the bedroom isn’t interesting enough anymore? Would you prefer the study? The kitchen? Maybe right here in the living room? Or the balcony?”
June’s cheeks turned deep red. “You–you’re shameless!
“How am I shameless? We’re married, June. This is normal conversation between spouses. Are you embarrassed?”
“I never realized you were this kind of person before!” she sputtered
I crossed the room, taking her hand in mine. Her fingers were ice cold.
“Your hands are freezing,” I noted, rubbing them between my palms. It’s winter–you need to keep warm, even inside.”
June burrowed her fingers deeper into my hands. “That’s better.”
I traced the tip of her nose. “Hungry?”
She nodded. “Starving.”
1/4
Chapter 230
“I made congee carlier,” I told her. “You barely ate at Manhattan Club last night. I’ll get you some.”
June caught my arm. “No, I can get it myself. You should get back to work.”
“It can wait,” I assured her. “Nothing’s more important than you. I’ll eat with you.”
Her eyes widened. “You haven’t eaten either? But it’s so late! Next time if I’m not up, just eat without me.”
“All right,” I agreed.
June tugged my hand. “Come on. And Brandon, you need to take better care of yourself.”
In the dining room, June’s eyes lit up at the spread–not just congee but small animal–shaped bread rolls.
“Brandon, did you make all this?” she asked, picking up a bear–shaped roll.
“No,” I said flatly.
She grinned. “Don’t lie. If they were store–bought, they wouldn’t look this… ugly.”
“Ugly?” I repeated, eyebrow raised.
“No, no!” she backpedaled. “They’re beautiful! These look way better than store–bought. Those professional ones are just overly fancy and fake!”
“Just eat,” I said, amused by her transparent attempt.
“Mmm!” she hummed after taking a bite. “This is so good! Thank you!”
“One meal and you’re already bought,” I teased as she devoured a second roll.
June barely slowed down, already halfway through her second bowl of congee.
“Hey, do you have to go out today?” she asked between bites.
“Probably not. Did you want to go somewhere?”
She shook her head. “No way. I’m too tired.”
“Full?” I asked as she finally slowed.
June nodded. “Very.”
I stood, gathering our bowls. “You should take a walk in the garden to help digestion.”
“Let me help you clean up,” she offered.
“Go for your walk. I’ll join you soon.”
“If you insist.” June led softly. “Brandon, you’re so good to me.”
I tapped her forehead. “Go on.”
As I washed dishes, I glanced out to see June strolling through the garden. Despite the winter chill, the sun cast her in a warm glow
as she meandered between dormant flower beds.
2/4
Chapter 230
She turned toward the house and waved. “Brandon! The sun’s out! It warm–come outside!“.
“I’ll be right there,” I called back. “Just need to take a call!”
My phone vibrated in my pocket. Ethan Kennedy’s name flashed on the screen.
“Ethan,” I answered.
“Got a minute?” His voice was calm as always.
“Yes. What is it?”
“I’ve brought someone with me who wants to see Meave.
I frowned, concerned. My uncle Gavin’s wife had been in poor health for years. “She hasn’t been well lately. Gavin hasn’t let her out in ages. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, I don’t think he’ll agree.”
“It is necessary, Ethan replied firmly. “I wouldn’t ask otherwise.”
“Who is this person you want to bring?”
“Don’t worry,” Ethan assured me. “They won’t negatively impact Meave’s condition. In fact, I think Meave would be very happy to see her.”
Her. That narrowed it down. “All right. I’ll ask Meave first.”
As I ended the call, I noticed June in the doorway, looking concerned
“What’s wrong?” she asked. “Is it trouble at Stark Group?”
“No, nothing like that. It’s Ethan.”
“Is something wrong with him? He seemed fine last night.”
“He’s fine. He just wants to see someone.”
I noticed her shifting uncomfortably. “Feeling better now?”
“How did you know I wasn’t feeling well?”
“I could tell. You ate too much too quickly. That tiny stomach can’t handle it. No more binge eating.”
“Yes, yes,” she agreed. “But it was your fault for making such delicious food. Don’t change the subject! Ethan wants to see someone? Who? Ist difficult to arrange?”
“Not particularly,” I said, dialing my aunt’s number.
“Aunt Meave, it’s Brandon.”
“Brandon?” She sounded surprised. “Do you need something?”
“How have you been feeling lately? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”
I have all the time in the world these days,” she replied wryly. “But what’s this really about?”
3/4
09.15 Mon, May
Chapter 230
‘I’d like to bring you over. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
“Someone you want me to meet? This person must be important.”
“They are,” I confirmed.
“Well, I’ve been cooped up far too long anyway,” Meave said. “When were you thinking?”
“Today, if possible. I’ll send someone to pick you up. We can have dinner together.”
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