Summer’s POV
I walked in with the fresh tea, catching that look on Brandon’s face whatever he was about to say must have been important.
“Hey Grandpa! Brandon!” I called, setting down the teapot.
I slid into the seat next to Brandon, glancing between them. “What were you guys talking about?”
“What else?” Grandpa George chuckled, obviously dodging the question Just chatting about you two lovebirds!*
He quickly changed the subject, and no matter how many times I tried to circle back, Grandpa kept swerving away from any real answers. The more he avoided it, the more desperate I became to know about my origins. Thankfully, Brandon helped smooth over the awkwardness.
During the drive home, Brandon focused on the road while I sat in silence, staring at my hands.
The quiet between us felt loaded with tension. He turned on some music without saying anything, clearly giving me space.
Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.
“Don’t you have anything you want to ask me?” I blurted out.
Brandon kept one hand on the wheel, glancing my way with that impossibly calm expression of his. He reached over and covered my hand with his, giving it a gentle squeeze.
“I told you, I’ll wait until you’re ready to talk,” he said quietly.
For the first time ever, I pulled my hand away from his. I turned to stare out the window, gathering my thoughts.
“You already knew, didn’t you?” I finally asked.
“Knew what?” Brandon’s voice revealed nothing.
“About me. About my relationship with the Taylors.” Frustration bubbled up inside me. “God, it feels like you’re playing dumb when I’m already feeling so exposed.”
“June,” Brandon sighed, cutting off my spiraling thoughts. “I’ve said it before–I don’t care what your last name is. I cape that you’re you. You’re my wife, Brandon Stark’s wife. That’s all that matters.”
I whipped around to face him, tears threatening but refusing to fall.
“When did you find out?” I asked, barely above a whisper.
“Not much earlier than you,” he replied.
I dropped my head, feeling utterly defeated. “Do you think I’m pathetic? Everything I’ve busted my ass for turns out to be total bullshit. No wonder they treated me like crap. No wonder they never loved me. I’m not even their kid! God, it all makes sense now.”
“June, you have me,” Brandon reached for my hand again, his expression serious. “I’ve told you–even if everyone else bails on you, I
never will.
Really?” My confidence was shot. “Brandon, do you know how badly always wanted my mom to just hug me? For my dad to remember my birthday? They forgot every single year. My mom never once held me.” I counted on my fingers. “They’d only
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Chapter 306
remember after Victoria’s birthday had passed. Every year, only Grandpa and Grandfather Thompson celebrated with me.
“Isn’t that better?” Brandon said. “It proves they genuinely care about you.” He squeezed my hand. June, listen–why not just pretend this revelation never happened?”
“Why?” I looked at him in disbelief. “I’m not a Taylor. They only adopted me for some sketchy reason. Who are my real parents? Why did they dump me? If I’d never found out, I could’ve lived my whole life in the dark. But now I know, how can I just pretend otherwise? I can’t do that!”
Sometimes I could be incredibly stubborn. I was the type who wouldn’t turn around until I slammed into a wall. ‘Brandon, I don’t want to live a lie anymore. Can’t you understand that?”
Brandon’s eyes darkened. “But you won’t get answers from George.”
“Then I’ll aşk Grandfather Thompson. He must know too. Otherwise, why would he have been so good to me all these years? I heard my mother say she only adopted me because Grandfather would give her something in return. So I must be his granddaughter, right?”
I was getting increasingly worked up. Brandon suddenly pulled over and fixed me with a serious stare that made me nervous.
“Branden, what-
“If Grandpa George won’t tell you, do you really think Professor Thompson will?” Brandon shook his head. “You won’t get anything from either of them. Listen to me–let this go for now. Since you’re so determined to know, I’ll help you find out, but you need to give me time.”
“Really?” I asked skeptically. “You’ll help me investigate?”
“You’re my wife. Your problems are my problems. His voice softened. “But you have to promise to stop obsessing over this for now.”
I–bit my lip. “Fine. I won’t bring it up or ask Grandfather. But you have to help me. I need to know the truth, no matter what.”
“Even if the truth hurts?” Brandon’s gaze was intense.
I paused, then nodded firmly. “Even then. I need to know.”
Brandon’s lips curved upward as he gently stroked my cheek. “Good. Now stop looking so miserable. Smile for me.”
I tried to force a smile, but it clearly wasn’t convincing.
Brandon shook his head. “While we still have time, let me take you somewhere.”
“Where?” I asked, confused.
Brandon’s smile reached his eyes this time. “It’s a surprise.”
He made a quick call as we drove. “Are you at the shop now?”
A woman’s surprised voice came through the speaker. “Yes, though I’m closing early. Are you coming by?”
“Yes, bringing someone with me. Everything ready?” Brandon asked.
“Been ready for days. Had a small issue but it’s fixed now. When will you arrive?” she asked respectfully.
“Soon, he replied before hanging up.
2/3
10:00 Sat, May
Chapter 306
When we arrived at an upscale mall, I was confused. “A shopping mall? Seriously?”
Brandon just smiled as he helped me out. “You’ll see.”
He took my hand as we headed straight for the jewelry section. My heart skipped. ‘Are you buying me a New Year’s gift?”
A stylish woman approached us as we reached a boutique. “Mr. Stark You made it!”
Brandon nodded. “Is everything ready?”
“Yes, waiting for you,‘ she replied, her eyes lingering on me before dropping to our intertwined fingers. “This must be Mrs. Stark?”
I looked at Brandon, surprised he hadn’t corrected her. “Hello, I’m Summer.”
“Hello!” Her face lit up, clearly assessing what kind of woman had captured Brandon Stark.
“My wife, Summer,” Brandon confirmed, leading me to the seating area.
“Mrs. Stark, I’m Lisa, the designer here.” Her assistant approached with an elegant jewelry box.
“Here’s what you requested, Lisa.”
“Mr. Stark, here’s your order,” Lisa said, handing it to Brandon.
“Give me your hand,” he instructed.
Confused, I extended my hand. Brandon opened the box and pulled out a ring, then solemnly slipped it onto my finger.
“Perfect fit,” he said, examining my hand with satisfaction before looking up. “Do you like it? Our wedding ring.”
Wedding ring?
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