Chapter 336
Summer’s POV
Dr. Sean had been searching for me throughout the entire birthday party, finally spotting me as Jesse Turner and I walked back inside from the garden.
“There you are!” Dr. Sean called out, relief washing over his face. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I was starting to think something had happened!”
I rolled my eyes. “I just needed some fresh air.
“Yeah, well, if anything had happened to you, Brandon would’ve had my head,” he grumbled, straightening his suit jacket.
“You’re being so dramatic,” I laughed. “I’m fine, so Brandon won’t be having your head‘ after all.
Dr. Sean huffed. “It’s not that I’m afraid of Brandon or anything. I just don’t like unnecessary trouble.”
I glanced at Jesse Turner, who was watching our exchange with barely concealed amusement. “See? Even Mr. Turner thinks I’m right.”
“Hey!” Dr. Sean protested, pointing an accusing finger at me. “Whose side are you on anyway? Every time you need something, I’m the one who helps you out! This guy“-he gestured toward Jesse-“hasn’t done anything!”
“Okay, okay,” I said, patting his arm. “You’re the best, Dr. Sullivan. Now, would you mind driving me home?”
His expression softened. “That’s more like it.”
The three of us made our way toward the mansion’s front entrance, and I silently congratulated myself on escaping without another confrontation with Elizabeth. The cool night air was a welcome relief after the stuffy atmosphere inside.
Something felt different as we stepped outside–the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I glanced around the circular driveway, my heart skipping a beat when I spotted a familiar black Bentley parked near the gate.
“Brandon?” I whispered, my pulse quickening.
Without thinking, I broke into a run, leaving Dr. Sean and Jesse Turner behind. I couldn’t stop the smile spreading across my face or the feeling of warmth flooding my chest.
“Brandon!” I called out, watching as he opened the car door.
He barely had one foot on the ground before I crashed into him, wrapping my arms around his waist and burying my face against his chest. The solid warmth of him instantly made everything–the dreadful party, Elizabeth’s confrontation, all of it–fade away.
“What’s wrong?” Brandon asked, his voice softening as he stroked my hair.
“Nothing,” I murmured, tightening my grip. “I just missed you.”
I tilted my head back to look at him. “How did you get here? I thought you were at home when I called you.”
His thumb traced the line of my cheekbone, his touch sending little shivers down my spine. “Missed you,” he said simply, his voice low. “Don’t want to see me?”
No! That’s not it at all, I insisted, shaking my head emphatically. “It’s just–we were on the phone half an hour ago and you said you were home. Did you drive like a maniac to get here?”
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Chapter 336
Wanted to see you,” he repilet, keeping me close. “So I came.”
Satisfaction bloomed in my chest. No matter how many times Branden showed his feelings this way, it still made my heart race. “Fine, I’ll forgive you for today. nestled deeper into his arms, finding that perfect spot against his chest. “But why didn’t you calli to tell me you were outside? Were you just going to wait out here alone in the cold?”
‘I was fine. Waiting for you.”
My smile widened, and I pressed closer. “Well, don’t do this again, okay? What if my parents had kept me trapped inside? Or what if I hadn’t come out so soon? It’s freezing out here!”
Brandon’s chest rumbled with soft laughter. “Alright, I get it. My mistake.”
My eyes widened as I suddenly remembered we weren’t alone. I turned to look over my shoulder, my cheeks burning when I spotted Dr. Sean, Jesse, and an elegant older woman I recognized as Daisy Sullivan watching us with undisguised interest.
Daisy’s expression shifted from surprise to understanding, her initial shock giving way to a knowing look. I could practically see the realization dawning on her–the, infamous Brandon Stark, rumored to be unapproachable, especially by women, had simply been waiting for the right one.
I hastily stepped back, though I remained within arm’s reach. “Why didn’t you warn me?” I hissed, embarrassment coloring my voice.
Brandon ignored Dr. Sean’s teasing, focusing instead on Daisy. “Mrs. Sullivan,” he greeted respectfully.
Daisy’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Married and didn’t bother to tell me?”
Brandon slipped his arm around my waist. “We kept the wedding quiet–just a few close friends. We’ll be sure to invite you when we have a proper celebration.”
“You’re a lucky man,” Daisy replied, glancing approvingly at me. “She’s wonderful–truly our family’s loss, Jesse.”
Jesse stepped forward, his expression carefully neutral. “Mother, Mr. Stark and Miss Taylor were already married before I even met her.”
Daisy’s eyebrows rose. “That early?” Her gaze flickered toward the mansion. “But the Taylors seem…”
I laughed nervously. “Only my grandfather George and Professor Thompson know about our marriage,” I explained.
Daisy nodded thoughtfully before changing subjects, launching into a familiar lament about her son and nephew’s perpetual bachelor status.
“Aunt Daisy,” Dr. Sean interrupted, “it’s getting late, and we’re just standing in front of the Taylor mansion like we’re casing the joint.
Jesse nodded. “Mr. and Mrs. Stark likely have plans.”
“Of course,” Daisy conceded. “But promise me an invitation when you host your wedding celebration.”
“Absolutely, Brandon assured her.
Once we were alone in the car, I couldn’t stop talking, the relief of being away from the Taylor mansion making me almost giddy. Brandon’s presence had completely dissolved the tension I’d been carrying all evening.
“Brandon,” I said suddenly, shifting in my seat to face him, “what happened at the Stark house today? Was it serious?”
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Chapter 336.
I noticed his grip on the steering wheel tighten. “Nothing significan just the old man playing games.”
I fell silent, studying his profile. Something had definitely happened with William Stark, probably related to our marriage. Whatever it was, Brandon clearly didn’t want to discuss it, and I didn’t want to push.
“Did you eat dinner?” I asked, changing the subject.
Brandon glanced at me. “You haven’t eaten?”
“Well…” I fidgeted with the hem of my dress. “There were so many gests, and…”
“And the Taylors were hounding you?” he finished, an edge creeping into his voice. “You don’t have to tolerate that, you know.
I sighed dramatically. “Don’t you think I know that? But Elizabeth still managed to corner me in the garden.”
Brandon frowned, but then asked, “What do you want to eat?”
My mood instantly brightened: Steak! I’ve been craving it all day. Will you take me? Please?” I tugged at his arm, giving him my best pleading look.
“Where do you want to go?” he asked.
“Our usual place should be perfect–not too crowded at this hour.” I squeezed his arm excitedly. “And I’m paying tonight!”
As he drove toward the restaurant, I couldn’t help stealing glances at him. Despite his calm exterior, I could tell something was weighing on him. Whatever had happened at the Stark mansion must have been serious.
But for now, I was just happy he had come for me, rescuing me from yet another miserable Taylor family gathering. That’s what we did for each other–provide escape when the world became too much
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