Chapter 34: Between Husband and Wife, No Thanks Needed
Summer’s POV
I saw him following my car when Lleft, Brandon’s deep voice carries that casual confidence I was starting to know well. Given
ause any trouble.” his… persistence, I thought it best to alert the police before he could cause
Running to my balcony, I scanned the street below for any sign of that familiar Bentley, “I don’t see your car!”
Brandon’s soft laugh rumbled through the phone, sending an unexpected warmth through my chest. “I’m already back at the office.”
“Do you have connections at the police department?” The words tuled out before I could stop them. “I’ve never seen them respond so quickly to a complaint.”
“You seem very curious.” That dangerous amusement was back in his voice. “Let’s just say I prefer to be… prepared. Especially when it comes to protecting what’s mine.”
The possessive note in his voice made my pulse skip. What’s mine. When did I start thinking of that as comforting instead of threatening?
“Oh.” The word came out smaller than I intended. Something about knowing he’d arranged protection without needing to be there himself made my heart do complicated things. He didn’t need to show off or take credit – he just… helped.
“Thank you,” I said softly, meaning it more than I had in a long time
“Between husband and wife,” his voice carried that gentle authority that never failed to make my pulse skip, “there’s no need for
thanks.”
Husband and wife. The words hit differently now, making heat creep up my neck. This morning’s marriage registration felt like a dream, but his casual use of our new status made it suddenly, startlingly real.
“Now that he’s gone,” Brandon continued, “get some rest. And pack your things – I’ll come get you in three days.”
After he hung up, I sank onto my couch, mind spinning. The events of the past twenty–four hours felt surreal – from Grandpa’s birthday party to my parents‘ betrayal to… marriage. To Brandon Stark, of all people.
But he’s different, isn’t he? The thought came unbidden. Besides my grandfathers, he was the first person to protect me without expecting anything in return. Even when I’d rejected his initial proposal, he’d respected my decision while still looking out for me.
The next three days felt like walking through a storm. My phone buzzed constantly with messages from my parents while headlines about the Windsor drama filled my social media feeds. The Wall Street Journal’s headline made my stomach drop: “Windsor Family Threatens to Withdraw $200M Investment from Capital Corp After Heir’s Mysterious Injury.”
God, they’re really milking this story. I scrolled through the article, catching phrases like “incident at Taylor family gathering” and “sources close to the family suggest potential lawsuit.” According to the gossip columns, Richard Taylor had been seen practically camping outside Mount Sinai Hospital, desperately trying to smooth things over with the Windsors.
My phone lit up with yet another call from Father. After twenty–seven missed calls, I finally answered, more out of exhaustion than anything else.
“Summer!” His voice carried that particular blend of anger and desperation I’d grown up fearing. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done? The whole Windsor family is out for blood!”
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Chapter 34: Between Husband and Wife, No Thanks Ne ded
“What I’ve done?” The words came out sharp with disheller. “You mean defending myself after you and Mother tried to… My voice cracked. After you drugged me and left me with that monster?”
Charles Windsor is from an excellent family. This marriage would have saved Capital Corp! Instead, you’ve ruined everything with Your stubborn- The dismissal in his tone made something snap in de me.
“Saved Capital Corp?” I couldn’t hold back a bitter laugh. “By selling your daughter? Is that really your solution?”
His voice rose dangerously, “Everything I’ve done has been for this family’s future! The Windsors are threatening to pull their investment do you know what that means? Capital Corp will be fished on Wall Street!
“And somehow that’s my fault? Not yours for trying to…” I had to take a deep breath before continuing. “What kind of father drugs his own daughter and leaves her with a stranger?”
“I did what had to be done!” The raw fury in his voice made me fling despite myself. “If you had just played along, everything would be fine! But no, you had to make a scene, had to embarrass us in front of everyone-
“Make a scene?” The words exploded from me. “You tried to sell me your own daughter! And now you’re angry because your plan
failed?”
His voice turned cold. Summer, listen carefully. You will go to the hospital. You will apologize to Charles Windsor. You will do whatever it takes to fix this mess you’ve created. If you play your cards right, maybe he’ll still consider-”
*Still consider what?” My hands were shaking so hard I could barely hold the phone. “Marrying me? After what you and Mother did?”
“This isn’t about what you want!” He shouted. “This is about family loyalty! About duty! About-
“Enough! Just shut the fuck up!”
I ended the call and immediately blocked his number, my hands shaking as fresh tears spilled down my cheeks.
My hands shook slightly as I sorted through my belongings, deciding what to take to Brandon’s. The process felt strangely therapeutic – like shedding an old skin, leaving behind the naive girl who’d trusted her family unconditionally.
Just then, my phone rang again. The number looked vaguely familiar, but after that draining conversation with Father, I was too emotionally exhausted to think straight. If this is another relative trying to guilt–trip me…
“Who is this?” I answered sharply.
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