Chapter 31: Don’t Answer His Call
Summer’s POV
“Yes.” Brandon’s deep voice carried that familiar note of absolute certainty. God, how can he be so calm about this?
“Well, it’s getting late. I should probably go…” I started to stand, but Brandon’s raised eyebrow stopped me mid–motion.
“Summer.” The way he said my name made my pulse skip. “It’s still morning.”
Heat flooded my face as I realized he was right. The bright morning sunlight streaming through the floor–to–ceiling windows made that perfectly clear. Great job, Summer. Really nailing this whole ‘sophisticated new wife thing
“Oh… right.” I sank back into my chair, suddenly hyperaware of what I was wearing or rather, what I wasn’t wearing. Brandon’s white dress shirt barely reached mid–thigh, and I’d just sat through the registration progress dressed like this. In front of lames. And Peterson. Oh god.
“Why didn’t you say something?” I demanded, mortification making my voice crack slightly. “Those marriage registration photo. I look…”
“Beautiful. The way he said it – like it was simply a fact – made my heart do complicated gymnastics in my chest.
“Mr.Stark-
“Brandon.” He corrected smoothly. “We are married now, after all.”
Married. The word still felt surreal. Less than twenty–four hours ago, I’d been getting ready for Grandpa’s birthday party, and now…
“Your dress is still being cleaned.” His voice pulled me from my spiral of thoughts. “You should head upstairs. Your phone is in the
master bedroom.”
The mention of my phone sent a jolt of anxiety through me. How many missed calls do I have by now? “Right. I should… check my messages. And maybe… find some proper clothes?”
His dark eyes swept over me in a way that made my skin prickle with awareness. “Upstairs. First door on the right.”
Brandon’s master bedroom felt different in the morning light – less intimidating somehow, though no less luxurious. My phone sat on the bedside table, its screen lit up with notifications. Twenty–seven missed calls. Most were from Alexander and my parents, but seeing Grandpa Jonathan and Grandpa George’s names made my heart twist with guilt.
Taking a deep breath, I called Grandpa Jonathan first. He picked up on the first ring.
“Summer, darling?” His worried voice made tears prick at my eyes. “Where have you been?”
I hesitated, memories of last night’s events flashing through my mind. Grandpa Jonathan had never hidden his dislike for the Taylor family – a coldness that extended even to his own daughter, my mother. For as long as I could remember, there had been this inexplicable tension between them, though I never knew why.
‘Grandpa, I’m so sorry! My phone died last night…” The lie tasted bitter, but I couldn’t tell him about Windsor. About how my own parents had tried to…
After a moment’s consideration, I decided to keep last night’s events to myself. Grandpa Jonathan already harbored such negative feelings toward the Taylor family – if he learned what they’d tried to do to me, he’d storm over to confront them immediately. I couldn’t bear the thought of him getting into a heated argument with them, especially over me. Besides, Grandpa George had always been different from the rest of them, always showing me genuine kindness and care.
1/3
Chapter 31: Don’t Answer His Call
“Are you alright? When you disappeared from the party…”
“I’m fine. Grandpa.” I forced cheer into my voice. “I just wasn’t feeling well after wishing Grandpa George happy birthday. Please don’t worry.”
His sigh carried years of understanding. “You know you can tell me anything, right?”
“I know, Grandpa.” Just not this. Not yet.
After reassuring him a few more times, I called Grandpa George. His voice was gruff with concern: “I may be old, but I’m not blind. Something happened last night.”
“I’m fine, Grandpa,” I assured him quickly. “I just… needed some time alone after the party. Please don’t worry about me.”
“You should have come to me.” The hurt in his voice made my chest ache. “Whatever it was, you didn’t have to face it alone.”
“I know.” My voice cracked slightly. “I just… I didn’t want to ruin your birthday.”
“Silly girl. His tone softened. “Listen, maybe it’s better if you stay away from the house for a while. If you want to see me, we can meet outside. Jenkins can drive me.”
“I’d like that.” The tears I’d been holding back finally spilled over.
A discrete knock at the door made me jump. Brandon stood there with a Chanel shopping bag, his expression unreadable as always. “Your dress is still at the cleaners. This will have to do for now.”
Inside the bag was a stunning cream–colored dress that probably cost more than my monthly rent. “How did you… this is exactly my
size.”
That dangerous half–smile played at his lips. “Of course it is.”
Of course it is. The casual confidence in his tone made something warm flutter in my stomach. “I’ll go change.”
The dress fit perfectly – because of course it did – highlighting curves hadn’t even known I had. I placed a hand over my racing heart, only to catch sight of Brandon emerging from the walk–in closet. The sight made me freeze, my breath catching in my throat.
I’d always known he had an excellent physique – perfect proportions that made him look like he was born to wear bespoke suits. But this… this was something else entirely.
He wore a light–colored suit that had clearly been tailored specifically for him, the cut emphasizing his athletic build without a hint of excess anywhere. The tailoring wasn’t entirely traditional – there were subtle modern touches that set it apart. His shirt underneath was clearly expensive, the top three buttons left casually undone to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of his tanned skin. The effect was less formal than his usual attire, carrying a hint of deliberate casualness that somehow made him even more attractive.
A simple silver pin served as his cufflink, the understated elegance perfectly matching his style How does he manage to look this good in everything? I couldn’t tear my eyes away – there was something magnetic about his presence that demanded attention.
He adjusted his cufflink with one hand, the gesture effortlessly elegant. Catching my bright eyed stare, the corner of his mouth lifted in that dangerous half–smile I knew so well, his perfect eyebrow arching slightly. “See something you like?”
I quickly looked away, offering a small smile but no verbal response. God, he knows exactly how good he looks.
My phone buzzed again, and my stomach dropped when I saw the caller ID. Brandon must have noticed my expression because he smoothly plucked the phone from my hand.
“If you don’t want to answer, his deep voice carried that gentle authority that never failed to make my pulse race, then don’t.”
