Summer’s POV
Brandon and I made our way through the mall. My heels clicked against the floor with each step, a sound that usually made me feel confident but now just reminded me of how much my feet were killing me.
I must have winced slightly because Brandon’s hand tightened arou mine. “You’re limping.”
“Just these heels,” I tried to smile despite the discomfort. “They’re exactly made for mall walking.”
His dark eyes studied my face. “Why didn’t you say something earlie
“It’s nothing! Really.” I attempted to quicken my pace to prove my point, but my ankle chose that moment to wobble traitorously. Brandon’s arm shot out to steady me, his movements fluid and precise.
“Stop pretending. He said softly. “Come here.”
Before I could protest, he was guiding me toward Stuart Weitzman’s gleaming storefront. The luxury shoe boutique sparkled with tasteful lighting and elegant displays, making me suddenly very aware of my increasingly uncomfortable footwear.
“Brandon!” I tried to dig in my heels, which only made them hurt more. “This isn’t necessary. I can just change when we get home.”
June. The way he said my nickname sent an involuntary shiver down my spine. “You need comfortable shoes. And when we’re dating, you shouldn’t have to suffer.”
I couldn’t help the little snort that escaped. “Even buying shoes has to be up to Brandon Stark’s standards?”
His lips curved into that dangerous half–smile that never failed to make my heart race. “You still don’t know me very well, do you?”
Before I could formulate a response, a sales associate materialized beside us with professional efficiency. Brandon’s hand found the small of my back, guiding me forward with gentle insistence.
“Go look around.” His fingers brushed my hair back from my face, the gesture so casual it made my breath catch. “Find something
comfortable.”
I ducked away from his touch, my cheeks burning. “Don’t treat me like a child!”
“Hmm.” That knowing glint in his eyes made my stomach do complicated flips.
“You’ll… wait here?” I couldn’t quite keep the uncertainty from my voice.
He settled into one of the plush VIP seats with that predatory grace that seemed to come naturally to him. “Of course.”
The sales associate guided me through their newest collections, her professional enthusiasm never wavering. “These just arrived from our fall collection,” she gestured to a display of elegant pumps. Perfect for the office, and the lower heel height means you
can wear them all day.”
My attention caught on a pair of deep wine–colored heels. The design was sophisticated but not flashy, with clean lines that spoke of quality craftsmanship. These would work for both client meetings and dinner events…
“Those would look lovely on you,” the associate commented, already moving to retrieve my size. “The color really suits your complexion.”
“Oh my god, isn’t this the pair Vogue featured last month?” A familiar voice cut through my contemplation like a knife. “They’re
1/3
absolutely gorgeous!
My blood ran cold as I turned to find Victoria standing there, her perfect smile firmly in place. Anna Wilson hovered at her shoulder like a well–trained shadow, and I caught sight of Sophie lingering behind them, her expression carefully neutral.
*Summer!” Victoria’s voice dripped with false warmth as she grabbed my hands. “What a coincidence! Shopping therapy?
I pulled my hands back as casually as I could manage. “With friends
“Yes! You remember Anna, right?” Victoria gestured to her companie, who gave me a look that could have curdled milk.
“Of course.” I kept my voice professionally neutral, already planning my escape route. “Well, you all enjoy your shopping. I have
work to handle.”
“Summer, wait!” Victoria said, “Are you still angry?-1–know Alexander and I hurt you, but that’s in the past. We’ll always be sisters!”
I bit back a bitter laugh. “Sisters? Is that what we are?”
“Everyone’s so worried about you,” she continued, her eyes wide with practiced concern. “Especially Grandpa George – his health hasn’t been great lately. Even if you hate me, you should visit them.
“If you’re uncomfortable seeing me,” she added with masterful manipulation, “I can always make myself scarce…”
“Enough. The word came out sharper than I intended. “Drop the act, Victoria. Whether I visit home or not is my business.” I couldn’t help the cold smile that curved my lips. “What’s wrong? Feeling guilty?”
Victoria’s perfect mask cracked slightly. “How can you say that? Alexander and I are in love – your obsession won’t change anything!”
“She’s right,” Anna jumped in, her voice dripping with venom. “You need to face reality, Summer. Alexander and Victoria are perfect together. Why keep causing trouble?”
“Such loyal friends.” I couldn’t quite keep the bitterness from my voice.
“Of course we’re loyal!” Anna’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “That’s why we have to tell you the truth. You’re Victoria’s sister, so we’ve tried to be nice, but you’re being so ungrateful! If Victoria hadn’t saved your life back then…”
“Don’t.” I cut her off, ice crystallizing in my veins. “Don’t you dare bring up ancient history.”
I turned to Victoria, letting her see the steel in my eyes. “Let me be clear. You live your life, I’ll live mine. We don’t need to pretend
anymore.”
“As for Alexander,” I continued, proud of how steady my voice remained, “since you want him so badly, treasure him. I never look back once I’ve decided to let go.”
“Summer!” Victoria’s voice cracked with genuine emotion.
Don’t bother arguing with her!” Anna cut in. “Look at her attitude! You treat her like a real sister, but she clearly doesn’t see you the same way!
“Your friend’s right.” I smiled, though it felt more like baring teeth. From the moment you betrayed me, I stopped considering you my sister. Let’s just be strangers from now on.”
“See?” Anna’s voice rose triumphantly. “I told you you’re too soft, Victoria! Give people an inch and they’ll take a mile!”
“Anna, don’t…” Victoria’s voice wavered perfectly. “She’s still my only sister…”
“Mr. Stark?” Victoria’s voice suddenly shifted to something breathless with surprise.
My heart nearly stopped as I turned to find Brandon approaching. My own panic must have shown on my face because Brandon’s hand found mine, his touch grounding me even as my mind raced. I can’t let Victoria know about us. Not yet.
His thumb traced a gentle circle on my palm, and I forced myself to breathe. Brandon’s presence beside me felt like a shield, his quiet strength holding me steady.
“Do I know you?” His deep voice carried just a hint of arctic chill.
Victoria’s perfect smile faltered slightly. “Mr. Stark, don’t you remember? I’m Victoria Taylor, Alexander’s fiancée. At Grandpa George’s birthday party, you gave that beautiful chess set…”
“Ah. Brandon’s expression could have frozen hell itself. “Vaguely recall something like that.” His dark eyes swept over her dismissively. “Who are you again?”
I caught Sophie hiding a smile behind her hand, her sharp eyes missing nothing as Victoria’s perfect mask cracked just a little more.
