Chapter 30: You’ll Have Everything You Want
Summer’s POV
Time seemed to freeze in that moment. My heart was racing wildly, he sensation completely beyond my control. What have I done? Instant regret washed over me for being so impulsive
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should never have blurted out something like that.
My face burned as I kept my head down, unable to look at Brandon, felt utterly mortified. What kind of woman just asks about marriage proposals like that? So much for playing it cool.
The morning sunlight streamed through Brandon’s floor–to–ceiling windows, making the elegant breakfast spread before me look almost surreal. I stared down at my plate, unable to meet his intense gaze. God. What was I thinking? Can I take back what I just
said?
“That…” My voice came out embarrassingly squeaky. “I was just asking! Please don’t take it seriously!”
Brandon’s fingers drummed a gentle rhythm against the pristine tablecloth. “Miss Taylor,” his deep voice carried just a hint of amusement, “do I seem like someone who makes jokes?”
“What? I mean…” The words died in my throat as I finally looked up meeting those dark eyes that never failed to make my pulse
race.
“Wall Street knows one thing about Brandon Stark – I always mean what I say.” His tone was calm but carried an undercurrent of steel that made my skin prickle. “I gave you time to think it over. Now that you’ve made up your mind, I won’t let you take it back.”
“Mr. Stark, I just wanted to—“.
“You don’t need to explain.” He cut me off smoothly, his expression unreadable. “Whatever changed your mind isn’t important. What matters is the result.” His dark eyes held mine with an intensity that made it hard to breathe. “Miss Taylor, I promised you – marry me, and you’ll have everything you want. Name your terms.”
The casual way he said it – like we were discussing a business deal instead of marriage – should have bothered me. But after last night, after seeing how easily my own family had tried to sell me off. At least Brandon’s being honest about his intentions.
“Mr. Stark?” I twisted my napkin nervously. “Can I ask you something?”
One perfect eyebrow arched slightly.
“Why me?” The question that had been burning in my mind since that first proposal finally spilled out. “There must be dozens of women who’d jump at the chance to marry you.”
He studied me for a long moment, his expression thoughtful. “Is Miss Taylor very concerned about the answer?”
I nodded, unable to look away from his intense gaze.
“Sometimes,” his voice softened slightly, “the right person appearing at the right time is reason enough.”
The weight of his words hung between us like a physical presence. The right person at the right time. It sounded almost romantic, except this was Brandon Stark – Wall Street’s most infamous CEO. Nothing about him was that simple.
If we get married,” I said carefully, I’ll take it seriously. I don’t like complications, and I’ve never considered divorce as an option.”
“Good.” His approval sent an unexpected warmth through my chest. Unless you choose to end it, this marriage will be permanent.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, though it came out slightly bitter. “You should know I have no power in the Taylor family. No shares in
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Chapter 30: You’ll Have Everything You Want
Capital Corp, no-
“Only weak men care what their wives bring to a marriage.” The steel was back in his voice.
“But in Manhattan, many people-”
“Is that what you’re worried about?” His dark eyes pinned me in place. “Your complicated family situation? Or perhaps how your parents tried to trade you to the Windsors for a two hundred million dollar investment?”
Heat flooded my face at the reminder of last night’s humiliation. “I just… you should know what you’re getting into.”
“These problems will resolve themselves after the marriage.” The casal confidence in his tone made something flutter in my stomach. “Unless Miss Taylor doesn’t trust me?”
Before I could respond, he asked, “When would you like to get married?”
“As soon as possible.” The words tumbled out before I could stop them. “I don’t want my parents to have a chance to interfere.”
“Today.”
I nearly choked on my tea. “Today? But…”
“All the arrangements are in place.” He turned to James, who materialized beside us with his usual silent efficiency. “Is Jack Peterson still at the City Clerk’s Office?”
“Yes, sir. He’s awaiting your instructions.”
“Have him come over. Bring all necessary documents.”
I watched in stunned silence as James made the calls. Everything moved with military precision, like a perfectly choreographed dance where I was the only one who didn’t know the steps.
Within an hour, a distinguished–looking man arrived with a briefcase full of papers. “Mr. Stark, it’s been too long.”
Brandon nodded slightly. “Everything prepared?”
“Of course. Given the special circumstances, we can waive the standard waiting period.”
“Is this even legal?” I couldn’t help asking.
Peterson smiled kindly. “Don’t worry, Miss Taylor. We allow exemptions in certain cases.”
The weight of what we’d just decided to do hit me like a physical blow. This wasn’t how I’d imagined my marriage – no white dress, no flowers, no family gathering to celebrate. The last time I’d planned a wedding, it had been with Alexander, full of romantic dreams and naive hopes.
But maybe this was better. No pretense, no false promises of eternal love. Just two adults making a choice, eyes wide open.
The next hour passed in a blur of signatures and legal jargon. Brandon’s private attorney appeared to witness everything, his presence lending an air of absolute legitimacy to what felt increasingly like a dream.
I stared down at the marriage certificate in my hands, my signature still drying beside Brandon’s bold strokes. “Just like that? We’re
married?”
