Summer’s POV
I stared at the elegant platinum band on my finger, watching how it caught the light. “Wedding ring?” I repeated, my heart suddenly racing.
Brandon nodded, a rare smile playing at his lips. ‘No one’s ever put a ring on your finger before, have they?”
I couldn’t stop staring at it–simple but exquisite, with a modest diamond that suited my style perfectly. The kind of ring I would have chosen for myself.
“It’s beautiful,” I whispered, turning my hand to see it from different angles.
Brandon pinched my nose playfully and handed me a matching box. Help me put mine on.”
“You have one too?” I asked in surprise, admiring my ring again before examining the entire set in the box. When did you start planning this? I had no idea!”
“That’s a secret, Brandon replied, taking out the men’s ring and placing it in my palm. “Put it on for me.”
I held it up, comparing it to the one on my finger. Both rings were elegantly simple without fancy embellishments, though their shape was unique–not the traditional circle I’d expected.
I turned Brandon’s ring back and forth, holding it up to the light without actually putting it on his finger. Something inside caught
my eye.
“Wait, there’s an engraving?” I exclaimed, peering closer.
I quickly pulled off my own ring to check, and sure enough, there was an engraving inside mine too. My ring had the letters “BS” while his had “SB“-our initials reversed.
“These are our names?” I smiled, understanding dawning. “Is this… your way of marking territory?”
Brandon nodded when he saw me finally smiling again. “You could say that.”
He took my ring and slid it back onto my finger. “Don’t take this off casually, understand?*
I giggled and placed his ring on his finger. “Brandon, I really love these rings.”
“Good,” he said simply. “Lisa’s pieces are all one–of–a–kind designs.”
“Really?” I glanced toward Lisa, who was watching us from across the room. I suddenly felt self–conscious, realizing we were being so intimate in public. What if someone saw us?
“Don’t worry,” Brandon assured me, taking my hand in his. “Nobody knows we’re here today.”
Our hands intertwined, the seemingly plain rings now catching the light brilliantly. My earlier sadness began to fade, replaced by a warm glow of happiness as I stared at our joined hands./
Brandon patted my shoulder. “What about the necklace and bracelet? Do you like those too?”
“I love everything,” I replied honestly, smiling gratefully at Lisa. “Lisa, your designs are amazing. I really love them.”
“It’s my honor to serve you and Mr. Stark,” she responded warmly. “Especially since Mr. Stark has been my benefactor.”
1/3
Chapter 307
She gestured to her assistant, who brought over another gift box and presented it to Brandon.
“When Mr. Stark came to order wedding rings, I was curious what kind of exceptional woman would be worthy of Kim, Liss continued, “Now that I’ve met you, I understand. This is my wedding it to you both–not expensive, but from the heart
Brandon nodded slightly, silently directing me to accept it.
I opened the box to find an exquisite brooch. Like our rings, it had a clean design, shaped almost like a phoenix with sparkling diamonds. “This is… this is way too valuable!”
Lisa raised an eyebrow, looking amused as the glanced at Brandon. He took the brooch from my hands. “Thanks,” he slid simply, then added, “James will send over the payment.”
‘Perfect, Lisa replied, clearly appreciating Brandon’s straightforward manner. “When will you hold your wedding ceremony, Mr.
Stark?”
Brandon raised an eyebrow slightly, then looked at me with a hint of a smile. “Not just yet, but 18 let you know when we do.”
‘I’ll look forward to celebrating your happiness then,” she replied.
As we left the jewelry store, I happily held Brandon’s hand, practically skipping ahead of him, all my earlier gloom forgotten. “Brandon, where are we going now?”
“It’s still early. Let’s get dinner and maybe see a movie?” he suggested, watching me with fond amusement.
I smiled but then remembered something troubling. “Wait, weren’t you supposed to go back to the Stark mansion today? Sean mentioned your family requires everyone to be present this time of year. After you left suddenly last time, won’t they say something?”
I couldn’t help worrying that my selfishness in asking Brandon to come to me on Christmas Eve had created problems. After all, he was the future head of the Stark family–his sudden disappearance must have raised questions.
“Don’t worry about that,” Brandon replied, taking my hand and guiding me into the car. He fastened my seatbelt carefully. “I’ve
taken care of that.”
“But…” I stared at my ring again. “Are you planning to announce our relationship publicly?”
“Would you prefer I didn’t?” he asked.
I shook my head. Before discovering I wasn’t really a Taylor, I might have hesitated, but now my perspective had shifted. “I’m your wife, and that can’t be changed. I’ve never wanted to hide from that. But if you’re going public, are you prepared for the consequences? What about the Sinclair family?”
“Soon, Brandon assured me. ‘It’ll be over soon.” The Sinclairs clearly weren’t obstacles in his mind. “Now, let’s get dinner, see a movie, then go home for fireworks and the New Year countdown. What do you think?”
“Really?” My eyes lit up with excitement as I grabbed his hand. “You’re actually going to stay with me at the Hamptons for New Year’s Eve? Is it really okay to skip the Stark mansion event?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Brandon replied dismissively. It was clearly just a formality to him, one he’d only attended in the past because he had nothing better to do. Now that he had me, he wouldn’t abandon me at home alone.
I threw my arms around him and kissed his cheek impulsively. “Brandon, I love you so much!”
Silly girl, be murmured, smoothing my tousled hair. “This makes you that happy?”
2/3
Chapter 307.
“Of course!” I didn’t tell him that New Year’s had always been just a formality for me too.
My poor relationship with the Taylors meant they never really wanted me around. If not for Grandpa George’s insistence, they probably would have preferred not come home at all. New Year’s had always been both my happiest and most painful time–happy because of the festive atmosphere and Grandpa’s kindness, but painful from enduring everyone else’s cold treatment.
I’d expected to spend this New Year alone and miserable, so Brandons offer to stay with me filled me with joy I couldn’t contain.
But I just remembered something,” Brandon said suddenly.
“What is it?” I blinked, settling back in my seat.
“We haven’t visited your grandfather Thompson yet.”
“Oh!” I smacked my forehead, feeling guilty. “You’re right! After visiting Grandpa George, I usually spend time with Grandfather Thompson. With everything that’s happened, I completely forgot. Do you think he’s angry I haven’t called?”
“No,” Brandon assured me, pinching my nose affectionately. “He won’t be upset with you.”
“Let’s go see him now!” I suggested, already reaching for my phone.
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