Chapter 345
Summer’s POV
My phone buzzed as I went back to my desk.
“Hello?” I answered, already smiling.
“It’s me! Brandon’s voice carried a hint of exasperation.
“I know,” I laughed. “What’s up? Was something wrong with those files?”
“No, nothing wrong. After work, come with me to Christie’s auction house.”
“Sure! But I might be running late. These projections are kicking my butt.”
“I’ll wait for you,” he said, his tone softening.
After hanging up, I attacked my work with renewed focus, determined not to keep him waiting. For three hours straight, I didn’t leave my desk once, even skipping my coffee break despite Leo’s concerned glances.
By 5:15, I’d finished everything. Ltexted Brandon: I finished early! Meeting you at the parking garage in ten.
His immediate reply was predictably brief: Good.
Typical Brandon–few words, maximum impact. I caught myself analyzing his single–word response. Was he pleased? Annoyed? The fact that I still obsessed over his texts was slightly embarrassing.
Heading toward the executive garage, I froze when I heard voices around the corner. Brandon’s unmistakable tone was countered by a woman’s voice–honeyed and insistent–that made my stomach drop.
“Brandon, we don’t have to be like this,” Lyanna was saying. “You know when I left-”
“I don’t care about your business, Lyanna,” Brandon cut her off, his voice ice–cold. “I’ve already done more than enough for you. More than you deserve.”
I pressed against the wall, barely breathing. Listen first, decide later
“But Brandon,” Lyanna continued, her voice dropping intimately, “are you really throwing away what we had? When you married Summer, wasn’t it because of me?”
My heart skipped painfully. I clutched my purse tighter, fighting the urge to either storm out or flee.
Brandon’s laugh was harsh. “Because of you? That’s why I married Summer?”
“I know you’re angry about how I left New York,” Lyanna pressed. “But you never paid attention to me back then. I just wanted to teach you a lesson, make you realize what we had. I only meant to be gone for a few days-*
“Lyanna,” Brandon interrupted, “do you think I don’t know everything? I’ve kept quiet about what happened out of respect for your reputation. As for why you’ve returned–I’ll get to the bottom of it. If you want to stay in New York, think carefully about what you should and shouldn’t do.”
I heard movement, someone stepping closer.
“But Brandon,” Lyanna’s voice turned pleading, “you promised to marry me, and now you’ve married Summer instead. She just has a
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Chapter 345
face like mine. You still love me, don’t you? You-
“Who’s there?” Brandon’s voice cut through the tension.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped around the corner. “It’s me.”
They stood by his Bentley–Lyanna reaching for his arm, Brandon rig with his hands in his pockets. Both turned to look at me.
I bit my lip, annoyed at being caught. Then I remembered–I was his wife. I had every right to be here.
“Ms. York seems awfully attached to old flames and ancient history, remarked with my brightest smile.
Lyanna’s eyebrows arched. “Ms. Taylor enjoys listening to private conversations.”
“Private?” I laughed. “This is Brandon’s parking area. Employees aren’t allowed here without permission. Maybe you haven’t learned the rules yet?”
“What about you? Aren’t you just another employee?”
I’m a Stark employee during office hours, but it’s after five now. More importantly, I’m Brandon’s wife. What’s his is mine.” I glanced at my wedding ring. “People tend to flaunt what they lack. Luckily, I don’t lack a husband or a ring.” I tapped my chin. “Though honey, my ring could use a few more diamonds.”
“TH buy you some tomorrow,” Brandon replied instantly.
“I want them as big as possible.”
“Done.”
Lyanna’s composure cracked. “Aren’t you being inappropriate, Ms. Taylor?”
I turned to Brandon. “Am I being inappropriate? Is asking my husband for diamonds crossing a line?”
“Not at all. You can have any diamonds you want.”
“I was Brandon’s fiancée once,” Lyanna said, her face reddening. “Is this necessary?”
“I don’t lack anything, so I have no interest in what belongs to others,” I replied. “I might not be talented in many areas, but I excel at protecting what’s mine. If someone tries to steal from me?” I smiled, showing teeth. “They’ll find I’m not so nice.”
“Nostalgia is wonderful, but the world changes. What you thought was eternal often just hasn’t reached its expiration date. When it does, you realize nothing lasts forever. Only the present matters.”
I looped my arm through Brandon’s. “Right now, he’s mine. And my face came from my parents, not you. If Brandon only cared about appearance, you wouldn’t be the ex.”
Without letting her respond, I practically shoved Brandon toward the ear, then slipped into the passenger seat. We drove away, leaving Lyanna standing alone.
Once on the road, Brandon watched me with amusement, one arm propped against the window.
“What?” I demanded. “Are you upset I was rude to your precious Lyanna?”
“Upset about what?”
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“You’re not mad I acted like a jealous maniac?”
“Why would I be?‘ he asked, looking entertained.
Brandon, what’s really going on with Lyanna?”
“What do you think?” he countered.
“I don’t know, and that’s the problem,” I sighed. “If you’re going to li to me, make it a lifelong lie. I’m not the type to cling to someone who doesn’t want me.”
“I know.”
“Some things need to wait,” he said, his expression serious. “The timing isn’t right yet.”
“When will it be?” I asked. “I’m just a normal woman. I overthink things. I get jealous. I can’t promise I won’t do something stupid if this keeps dragging on”
Brandon took my hand. Give me a little more time. Once I’ve finished my investigation, I’ll tell you everything. Trust me?”
I exhaled. “Fine.”
We drove in silence before I remembered our plans. “So, Christie’s–are we picking out a birthday gift for William? James mentioned it was coming up.”
“James told you?” Brandon asked, surprised.
“Yeah. It’s kind of last minute. I haven’t had time to prepare.”
“If James hadn’t reminded me, I would have forgotten completely.”
I stared at him. “What? You’re joking, right?”
“Nope.”
“What are we getting him? What does he like?”
“Doesn’t matter,” Brandon shrugged. “The old man doesn’t need anything. Besides, do you really think this birthday party is just about celebrating his birth?”
I studied his profile, noticing the tension in his jaw. For all his nonchalance, William clearly bothered him deeply.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked.
A small smile played at his lips. “Don’t waste your sympathy. He genuinely doesn’t care about gifts. We’ll just pick something appropriate and be done with it.”
