Ch. 51..60
Chapter 51
Do You Like Me?
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Before Summer reunited with the Stewart family, she earned outstanding scores and was accepted into Havenbrook University at 17 years old.
Her adoptive mother, Yolanda, said girls didn't need an education and were better off getting married early. She tore Summer's acceptance letter into shreds.
Then, she took a 4,000-dollar referral fee and arranged for her to work as a factory assembly line worker, planning her future down to the last detail.
Summer refused, feeling nothing but despair.
Yolanda slapped her hard. "Summer, if you have the guts, then get lost and never come back. You have no documents, you're an unregistered nobody, you're useless trash that'll never amount to anything. This is your future! Stop struggling!"
Tears streaming down her face, Summer ran out. She accidentally crashed into a luxury car.
And it wasn't just any car. The person who stepped out was Trevor.
Back then, Trevor wasn't as cold and indifferent as he would later become.
He was still reserved, with jet-black hair and deep, striking eyes, carrying a trace of youthful inexperience.
Seeing Summer crying so miserably, he thought she was seriously hurt and asked anxiously, "Are you okay? Did you get hurt?"
She had scraped her leg, and a little blood trickled down. But what hurt more was her shattered future. Through her sobs, she could only say, "My college is gone."
Later, to make up for injuring her, Trevor promised to replace her college acceptance letter.
Summer didn't believe him.
But the next day, she actually received her letter, delivered personally by Havenbrook University's official.
In that moment, Trevor, along with that letter, became the salvation of her 17- year-old life.
A year later, she started university and ran into Trevor again while working a part- time job.
Summer had never chased anyone before. Rather than calling it persistence, it was more like she placed her whole heart before the boy she had liked since she was seventeen.
Until one day, Trevor's Rolls-Royce finally stopped in front of her.
The back window rolled down, revealing his cool and composed face. "Why do you wait here for me every day?"
Summer felt a little shy. "It's nothing. I just wanted to see you."
Summer lifted her eyes and met his deep, dark gaze "Forever"
Summer snapped out of her thoughts.
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"People grow and change. For the past five years, I've loved you with all my heart and given everything to this relationship. Trevor, just because of my promise, you think I'll always be here waiting for you. In your eyes, my love is cheap, and that's why you hurt me so recklessly
Her voice trembled.
Not just because of the man in front of her, but because of the five years of devotion and heartbreak.
Trevor frowned, feeling a bit irritated.
I already promised her the title of Mrs. Larson. What else does she want? Just because I didn't reply to a few messages? Because I didn't pay much attention to her feelings? Because I spent certain occasions taking care of Peyton? She's making a big deal out of nothing
He didn't want to argue with Summer about this today. It was pointless. If they kept talking, it would end the same way as before, with another fight.
Suppressing his impatience, he said, "Summer, fine, it's all my fault. Is that okay? Let's just go try on wedding dresses today, alright?"
Summer watched his reaction. The mix of emotions she had just felt-excitement, sadness-was instantly doused by a bucket of ice-cold water.
She no longer cared to ask, "What exactly did you do wrong?"
If Trevor is so eager for me to try on wedding dresses, fine. I'll go. But he better not regret it.
Summer got into the car with Trevor.
They sat on opposite sides, separated by the center console.
The ride was silent.
Summer gazed out the window, not sparing him a single glance.
Trevor sat in the back, tugging at his tie, his brows furrowed, face expressionless.
They had been together for five years. She knew him well. This was his impatient look.
But Summer wouldn't soothe him like she used to.
He felt frustrated now, and soon, he'd probably be even angrier.
The driver, suffocating under the tense atmosphere, could only step harder on the gas. The car sped forward, and the passing scenery blurred into streaks of color. Before long, they arrived at Linden, Havenbrook's exclusive bridal boutique.
Love Drug
Chapter 52
I Won't Give In
Linden was a world-renowned wedding dress designer,
She had established the global wedding brand “Linden” under her own name, along with an entire series of related wedding designs.
Linden's wedding brand offered only custom-made designs, with each dress starting at a minimum of one million dollars.
Nobility and high society across the world all wanted Linden to design an exclusive wedding gown and create a dreamlike wedding for them.
Even in Havenbrook, only the elite families, such as the Grahams, the Larsons, and the Hathaways, had brides who wore Linden's wedding dresses.
Being able to wear Linden's designs was a symbol of status and prestige.
Summer followed Trevor inside.
Two rows of assistants stood respectfully, waiting.
A regional manager from Cranford, Lily, led them into a bridal showroom.
In the center of the room stood a pristine white wedding dress, surrounded by floor-to-ceiling mirrors that reflected its every exquisite detail.
The gown's upper half featured a simple strapless bodice with delicate spaghetti straps, while the skirt cascaded in layered folds. Sheer tulle and lace intertwined, forming textures as fine as clouds, exuding an ethereal elegance.
Trevor looked at Summer. "Do you like it?"
Summer glanced at the dress and let out a mocking smirk. "Are you sure you want me to try this on?"
Trevor frowned. "Summer, we're already here. Do you think it could be fake?"
Lily, the regional head, introduced, "Mr. Larson, Ms. Stewart, this wedding dress is crafted from natural silk taffeta and duchess satin, with a production cost nearing six million dollars. Every wedding gown designed by Linden is a one-of-a-kind creation, a rare collectible."
Trevor patiently explained, "Summer, isn't this grand enough? So stop being mad about that wedding with Peyton. It wasn't real. It was just to fulfill one of her wishes."
Summer lowered her gaze, lost in thought. She said nothing, merely staring at the pure white gown.
It was stunning, pristine, luxurious. She could almost envision a woman wearing
it, walking down the aisle toward the man she loved, immersed in a fairy-tale wedding.
Once, Summer had looked forward to her own wedding.
She and Trevor had been engaged for two years. By all rights, their wedding should have taken place a year
Trevor had insisted on postponing it, not wanting to upset Peyton. He wanted to wait until after her surgery before getting married.
He had always known how Peyton felt about him. Yet, he justified his indulgence and favoritism toward her as mere responsibility.
Now, as Summer looked at this dress, all she could think of was the grievances, bitterness, and compromises of the past. Nothing else remained.
Just then, Trevor's phone rang.
He cast a glance at Summer, then gave Lily a nod, signaling her to take Summer to change into the dress.
A moment later, he stepped aside toward the window and answered the call.
Several assistants led Summer to the fitting room.
It was spacious, large enough to accommodate nearly ten people. As the
assistants fussed over her, adjusting the gown, she felt uneasy.
She had never approached this with the mindset of a bride-to-be. Now, standing there, her expression darkened.
Irritated, she ordered them out. "I'll change by myself."
The assistants exchanged glances. It was their first time encountering a client like this. She looked less like a joyful bride-to-be and more like someone preparing for a funeral.
"If you need anything, Ms. Stewart, just call us."
With that, they left.
Summer stood motionless in the luxurious fitting room, her thoughts a tangled
mess.
She couldn't just let that 30 percent of shares slip away.
But given Jasper's personality-ruthless and shrewd-her objections wouldn't matter. As long as Trevor and Jasper struck a deal, Jasper would make sure she went through with the marriage.
Democracy or not, in high society, especially among some old-fashioned families, marriage was nothing more than a tool for alliances. Personal feelings held no weight.
And Trevor-arrogant, stubborn, and dictatorial-never cared about what she wanted. In their eyes, her opinion was irrelevant.
In the end, they would force her into this marriage.
The thought unsettled her.
No. I won't give in.
Summer lowered her eyes. Today, she had worn a high-collared outfit.
1 Won't Give In
Fraser was ruthless in that regard.
Every time, he left shocking marks all over her body.
Of course, she hadn't held back either. Her nails had left their own imprint across
his back.
Chapter 53
Things Are Getting Interesting
Summer thought of this and smiled.
Trevor, I don't believe you can handle this.
A moment later, Summer finished changing into the wedding dress. A sheer veil
draped over her chest as she walked out at an unhurried pace.
The staff at the bridal boutique couldn't help but gasp.
They often saw brides-to-be trying on wedding dresses, but none had ever looked as radiant and pure as an angel like Summer did.
She was stunning. The elegant, pristine gown wrapped around her, making her entire being shine with an almost luminous glow.
Her long hair cascaded in soft waves, her delicate features were bright and striking, her skin fair and flawless. The wedding dress accentuated every curve of her figure-slender but with just the right amount of softness where it mattered.
She was like a breathtaking landscape, full of graceful undulations, stirring an irresistible urge to uncover just how alluring the woman beneath the gown truly
was.
Meanwhile, Xavier had come to Linden Bridal Boutique on an errand-to retrieve a diamond necklace.
His cousin had tried on wedding dresses at Linden last time and had forgotten to take the necklace with her. Since his hospital wasn't far from the boutique, she sent him to pick it up.
After receiving the necklace, Xavier had been about to leave. But out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the bridal showroom. The large doors were half open, and a woman in a pure white wedding dress stepped out.
He assumed it was just some stranger and didn't think much of it. Rising from the couch, he prepared to walk away.
But after taking two steps, something felt off.
That woman in the wedding dress looked familiar.
He turned back for a better look.
Of course, it's her.
Even from a distance, even though he stood in the outer hall while she was deeper inside the boutique, he recognized her instantly.
Summer.
Then his gaze landed on Trevor, not far away, holding up his phone.
Xavier and Fraser had been childhood friends. In all these years, he had never seen Fraser take a real interest in any woman.
Their entire friend group had even suspected Fraser might be gay. After all, his good looks were almost excessive.
Xavier still didn't understand what was so special about this Summer, aside from her beauty. But she was, after all, Trevor's fiancée. No matter how unusual Fraser's tastes were, he wouldn't go after her.
Not when she was about to be married.
Thinking of this, Xavier felt a little schadenfreude for his friend. He silently observed a moment of pity.
Then, he pulled out his phone, zoomed in, and snapped a picture with a sharp click.
Spinning his phone lightly in his hand, he strolled out of Linden Bridal Boutique with an easy gait.
Trevor was on the phone not far away when he heard the gasps behind him. He turned to look.
A deep astonishment flashed through his eyes as he slowly lowered his phone.
"I won't be coming over today. If Peyton gets emotional, just give her the
medication. Josh, I have my own life. I can't spend my entire existence revolving around her."
With that, he ended the call.
Trevor stepped forward, his eyes locked onto the woman before him.
He had imagined Summer in a wedding dress before.
But seeing her now, he realized that no words could do this moment justice. The sight of her struck him speechless.
She stood draped in soft, flowing veils, her flawless wedding gown glowing under the bright lights. The radiance surrounding her gave the illusion that she had been bathed in shimmering gold.
It was an almost unreal beauty.
Like an angel fallen from heaven, pure, ethereal, and untouchable. She radiated a sacred beauty so breathtaking it commanded reverence, a divinity no one would dare to sully.
And this woman was to be his wife.
A rare trace of warmth softened Trevor's normally cold expression.
Summer, however, remained expressionless as she watched him approach.
"Ms. Stewart," Lily said, "this wedding dress isn't meant to be worn with a veil. Why don't I remove it for you?
That way your silhouette will be shown in its full glory"
Things Are Getting Interesting
Taking that as consent, Lily stepped forward and carefully lifted the sheer fabric from her shoulders.
In that instant, her swan-like neck was revealed-graceful, proud, and porcelain white.
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But just above her collarbone, faint purplish marks stood out against her fair skin.
Standing this close, Lily could see them clearly.
She was an adult woman. Naturally, she knew these weren't bruises.
Those marks were clearly hickeys.
Her cheeks flushed at once. This couple is certainly passionate. Mr. Larson must
be quite the forceful one.
Feeling slightly embarrassed, she forced a laugh.
"Ms. Stewart, you and Mr. Larson are truly in love. Well then, I'll leave you both to
decide whether the dress fits. We'll step out for now."
With that, she swiftly ushered the staff away, giving the couple their privacy.
As Trevor moved closer, his gaze locked onto Summer's delicate, alabaster-like skin.
The skin that was covered in traces of hickeys.
Chapter 54
Trevor's footsteps came to an abrupt halt, as if he had been struck by lightning.
His entire body trembled violently.
His eyes locked onto the unmistakable marks.
I never touched her. How could Summer have these kiss marks?
"Summer, what's on your neck?"
Summer's lips curled into a mocking smirk. "Never seen hickeys before?"
At her words, Trevor's gaze turned savage, his eyes gleaming with a bloodthirsty chill, like a beast ready to tear her apart. "Who did this? You actually cheated on me?"
Summer found it laughable. "Trevor, we're not together anymore. Whoever I'm with is none of your business. There's no such thing as cheating."
Trevor's eyes turned red, his chest rising and falling violently with rage and jealousy, like a fire about to explode from within him.
The next second, he grabbed her wrist and stormed toward the lavishly decorated bathroom.
Caught off guard, Summer stumbled forward, nearly falling.
Fury surged within her. She kicked and punched at the man restraining her. "Trevor, you lunatic! Let go of me!"
But he acted as if he couldn't hear her, dragging her straight into the bathroom.
It was grand, with a floor-to-ceiling window and an elegant white porcelain bathtub, spacious and
extravagant.
Without a word, Trevor picked up the showerhead, turned on the water, and sprayed it directly at Summer, as if trying to wash away the kiss marks on her skin.
The heavy stream drenched her hair and soaked the expensive wedding dress. She raised her hands to shield herself, but the water still drenched her completely.
"I never even touched you, Summer. How dare you cheat on me?"
Water streamed down her face as Summer stepped forward in anger. She slapped the shower head out of his hand and provoked, "I wanted to. What can you do about it?"
Trevor's eyes turned even darker, his voice seething. "Unbelievable. Summer, I really underestimated you."
For years, Trevor had suppressed his desires for Summer.
Whenever she was close, he had to exert immense self-control to resist his urges. That was why he always kept his distance from her.
mi
It Was the Kidnappers
Since then, the Larson family has upheld this rule. It was their family creed.
Trevor let out a cold laugh, feeling as if his heart were being carved apart.
The self-control he had once been so proud of now seemed laughable. He was pathetic.
His woman had cheated on him.
He grabbed a white towel from the wall and aggressively wiped Summer's skin. "You're filthy! You couldn't even wait? Tell me, which b*stard touched you?" Whoever it was, he would kill him. No matter what it took.
"Filthy?"
Finished
Summer shoved him away, her gaze icy. "If I disgust you so much, then there's no need for you to marry a woman like me."
A vein throbbed on Trevor's forehead. "Summer, if anyone's calling it quits, it's me!
If anyone's betraying the other, it's me betraying you! What makes you think you have the right?"
Summer took a deep breath, lifted her chin, and stared straight into his eyes. "I have no right? Have you forgotten what you said the day I was kidnapped? You told them to take me, to break me. You forgot, didn't you, Mr. Larson?"
Trevor staggered back, disbelief flashing across his face.
"No! The kidnapping was fake."
Summer sniffled. "Fake? It wasn't fake. I was really kidnapped. And where were you? You were holding your wedding with your precious first love."
Trevor's tall frame swayed slightly. His dark pupils reflected nothing but shattered light.
The once-proud and invincible Trevor looked as fragile as glass, ready to break at the slightest touch.
His voice trembled. "So, your first time..."
Summer picked up a bathrobe and wrapped it around herself. She clenched her teeth and deliberately said, "It was the kidnappers."
She wanted to enrage him.
And she succeeded.
Trevor's entire body stiffened, his gaze locked onto her face, searching for any sign of deception. But she remained expressionless, as cold as ice.
His mind echoed with his own words, If you dare lay a hand on her, I'll pay you another million dollars.
Trevor couldn't accept the truth.
Chapter 55
He Thinks I Am Dirty
Trevor staggered as he fled.
Finished
Standing at the doorway, Lily watched his retreating figure. Then, hearing noises from the bridal boutique, others stepped inside to check what was going on.
The woman who had just been radiant and beautiful was now drenched from head to toe.
To make matters worse, she was still wearing her wedding dress. Soaked, disheveled, and exhausted.
Summer's face darkened. Not because Trevor had run off in a panic, but because he had just squeezed her hand so hard that it hurt.
What a brute. How have I never realized he has this side to him?
She rarely saw him lose control. His anger usually froze into cold indifference, his icy voice alone enough to keep most people at bay.
Today was only the second time.
The first was three years ago, back when she had just joined Stewart Group. She had been assigned to entertain clients.
No one had known she was the Stewart family heiress then. They all assumed she was just an ordinary employee.
Summer was strikingly beautiful, and it didn't take long for a client to take notice. Her manager, eager to secure a deal, pushed her forward to toast the client, then slipped away, leaving her alone in the private lounge with several men.
By the end of the toasting session, one of them, a sleazy drunk, reached out to touch her leg.
Summer refused to tolerate it. Furious, she dumped the entire glass of liquor onto him, causing an uproar
in the bar.
It just so happened that the bar belonged to one of Trevor's friends, and Trevor had been there that night.
That was the first time she saw him lose his mind.
Trevor had walked up, grabbed a bottle, and smashed it over the man's head. He wouldn't stop, insisting on breaking his hand.
Back then, Summer had been moved beyond words.
Only later did she realize that it had only been Trevor's possessiveness at play.
So now, she knew exactly how much it must have shattered him to see the marks on her body, to realize she was no longer his first.
A man's pride, trampled beneath her feet.
She twisted her wrist, trying to grab her phone, only to see it lying on the ground, soaked by the water from
the restroom.
Lily snapped out of her daze and quickly picked up the phone, handing it to her.
"Ms. Stewart, why don't you change first? We'll handle the cleanup."
"Alright."
Summer glanced down at her soaked, pristine white wedding dress.
It was a custom-made, one-of-a-kind piece, and now that it was ruined, there was no salvaging it.
"Have Trevor cover the compensation for the dress."
It wasn't her fault, after all.
After changing in the fitting room, Summer walked out of Linden Bridal Boutique, flagged down a taxi, and headed home.
But she didn't feel like being alone tonight.
With her phone dead, she decided to stop by a nearby mall to get it fixed.
Just then, the work phone in her bag rang.
She took it out and checked the caller ID. It was Jasper.
He had probably tried her personal phone first but couldn't get through, so he was calling her work phone instead.
Summer answered.
On the other end, Jasper asked, "Summer, how did the wedding dress fitting go?"
A mocking smile curled on Summer's lips.
Before she could respond, Jasper continued, "Your mom heard you two were trying on wedding dresses. She wants you to bring Trevor over for dinner tonight."
Summer smirked. "Trevor probably won't be in the mood to eat."
In his office, Jasper immediately knew she had pulled something.
"What did you do this time, Summer? Don't forget, if you want that 30 percent of Stewart Group's shares, you need to behave and get married."
"Dad, if you're so curious about what happened, why not ask Trevor yourself? Oh, are you sure you don't want to transfer that 30 percent to me now?"
Tecnon IL...... alarina dim... thin sim
"Of course. As long as you agree to marry into the Larson family, after the wedding, I'll transfer the 30 percent shares to you, plus a mall, as a wedding gift."
Jasper was pulling out all the stops to force this marriage.
Summer flexed her wrist. "What if Trevor refuses to marry me?"
Jasper frowned. "Why would he? Everything was fine today. He even had Linden design the wedding dress. For someone of his status, that's already quite the effort. Suminer, don't play games."
"He thinks I'm dirty."
Jasper's voice turned cold. "Summer, you are the Stewart family heiress, my daughter. What filth are you talking about?"
1
Chapter 56
A Birthday Proposal
Summer tossed out her words casually.
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"You wouldn't believe how the Larson family looks down on me for only being recognized by the Stewart family after 20 years. They think my manners, temperament, and character aren't polished enough, not like Margaret, who grew up in the Stewart household. They figure I'm not good enough for Trevor." Summer complaints.
These weren't Trevor's words, but Scarlett had said them to her often enough.
Jasper pressed his lips together. He knew Summer was deliberately poking at their favoritism toward Margaret.
"Summer, you're my daughter," he said. "The Stewart blood runs in your veins. Margaret's just a foster child. Don't measure yourself against her."
Summer thought, Don't measure myself? He told me not to compare, but his actions screamed bias. In the past, I'd let it slide. Now? Not anymore.
Summer smirked. "I'm not comparing. It's just that my status is too lowly for the Larson family. How about this? The Stewart family has another daughter, Margaret. Let her marry into the Larson family instead. Don't worry about me." Summer said.
"Summer, you're just dodging marriage altogether!" Jasper huffed, taking a deep breath to steady himself. He couldn't push her too hard right now. "Alright, next month is your 24th birthday. This time, your mom and I will make it all about you. We'll throw a big party, so everyone knows you're our cherished daughter."
Summer smiled, her mole under the eye quivering slightly, lighting up her face like a blooming peony. Even the taxi driver couldn't resist sneaking glances at her through the rearview mirror.
Summer thought to herself, my birthday fell on the same day as Margaret's. Every year, the Stewart family threw lavish celebrations for Margaret. For her 18th, they'd splashed over a million dollars which is a hefty sum even for the Stewart family. Since I had been acknowledged by the Stewart family, Julia, mindful of Margaret's feelings, and Jasper, unwilling to lose face, kept hosting parties in Margaret's name. My "celebration" was downgraded to a quiet family dinner the next day. Laughable. Truly laughable.
Summer continued her thoughts, In the years that followed, I stopped bothering with Margaret's parties. I'd planned to celebrate with Trevor instead, but each time, Peyton conveniently fell ill. So, I never had a proper birthday since growing up.
"Fine," she said. "But what about Margaret? We're not exactly twins, I'd feel awkward sharing the day with her. She probably doesn't want to share it with me either."
Jasper mulled it over, deciding to appease Summer for now. "Like before, we'll celebrate hers the next day."
Summer thought, You didn't need to guess how furious Margaret would be when she heard this.
Summer's lips curved into a sly smile. "Will Margaret go along with that?"
"Your mom and I will handle her. So, be good and marry Trevor, alright?"
“Sure,” Summer replied. "Ask Trevor if he still wants me first."
The rich scent of wine wafted through the luxurious, sprawling VIP room. A French crystal chandelier cast a champagne glow, dripping with decadence.
Yvette was at a high-society party with her agent, Tom. The moment she stepped in, she spotted familiar A-listers: Best Actress winner Sandra, Best Actress winner Nina, big names who usually kept their noses in the air, all gathered here.
Yvette thought, This wasn't just any night. Someone big was in the room.
Tom leaned in close to Yvette. "See those guys on the black sofa? The ones with that polished vibe? They're young heirs from Havenbrook's elite families."
Tom's eyes darted sideways, and he gasped. “Holy! That guy in the yellow shirt? That's Mr. Graham, the Bossman of Havenbrook. He's here tonight, this is huge!" "Yvette, stay sharp. If you can catch Fraser's eye, even a scrap from his table could launch you straight to Hollywood."
Yvette thought, I had been in the entertainment game for years. Even as an A-list actress, I knew the drill, rubbing a elbows with the wealthy elite was part of the gig.
But when she heard the Bossman, Fraser's name, she paused, glancing his way.
Yvette thought, The man's striking, almost too-perfect features stood out in the crowd. He wore a yellow shirt and black trousers, legs sprawled casually as he lounged on the sofa. One hand rested on the backrest, cradling a glass of liquor. Even a fleeting look screamed power, noble, aloof, and undeniably magnetic.
Chapter 57
A Glamorous Party
Finished
Yvette thought, He was hands-down the most distinguished guy in the room. Every woman there couldn't peel their eyes off him, but he didn't seem to notice. His dark gaze lazily scanning the scene with detached boredom.
Yvette remembered Summer's frantic search for Fraser the other day.
Yvette thought, Had she found him?
"I need to make a call," she told Tom.
"Hey, princess, now's not the time, go mingle!"
Yvette slipped to a quiet corner and dialed Summer's number.
It rang. No answer.
Then she remembered Summer's work phone and tried that.
"Hey, Yvette, what's up?" Summer's soft, clear voice came through.
"Babe, why's your phone dead?"
Summer glanced at her busted device, annoyed. "It's toast. I was about to ask if I could crash at your place tonight."
"Go for it, the housekeeper's there. Oh, and didn't you need Mr. Graham last time? If you haven't found him, come to this party, he's here!"
Summer choked at Fraser's name, her mind flashing to the hickey fiasco and how she'd told Trevor her first time was with a kidnapper. Guilt gnawed at her.
She coughed. "No, no need. I sorted it out with him. I'll wait at your place after the party."
Suddenly, a scream cut through the air nearby.
Yvette looked over and saw Amelia Miller, her drama's second lead, drenched in wine, courtesy of Fraser.
Her mood lifted. "Wow, savage!"
She'd never liked Amelia. Yvette thought, A nobody actress with a rich family, shoved into the role by investors. Amelia had butchered the script, hogged screen time, and was a diva on set, demanding stand-ins, refusing scenes, and acting like a wooden plank. Working with Amelia was hell. And she constantly bragged about her "special connection" to Mr. Graham. Now, she'd been put in her place.
Summer caught the noise and asked. "What's going on?"
"Fraser just splashed wine on Amelia, my drama's second lead, Amelia. Her face looks like she swallowed a swarm of flies. I'm gonna check it out." Yvette said.
A Glamorous Party
commit or decline.
Finished
The Miller family had struck it rich in tech three generations back and had ties to the Graham family. But their heirs had frittered away most of the fortune.
Fraser lounged on the sofa, bored, sipping his drink. He pulled out his phone and saw a photo sent from Xavier.
The sight of a woman in a pristine white wedding dress hit him like a punch. His eyes iced over, anger radiating off him like a winter storm.
He zoomed in, dark pupils locked on her image, confirming it was Summer.
Fraser thought, Summer. That liar. She'd called it a one-night stand. Said she was done with Trevor. So why was she in a wedding dress? Who was she marrying? Trevor?
Fraser clenched his jaw, exited the photo, and called her on WhatsApp.
No answer.
His lips tightened, brows knitting together.
A surge of unease and rage flooded his chest.
He tried her phone number.
Still nothing.
A cold laugh escaped him, but his eyes held no humor, just a brewing tempest.
He gripped his phone and dialed Xavier.
"Where is she?" Fraser asked.
Xavier's teasing voice crackled through. "Mr. Graham, who're we talking about?”
Fraser's tone dropped. "Xavier, do you want your hospital flattened?"
Xavier nearly swerved off the road.
He'd only meant to rile Fraser up with the photo, not spark this level of fury.
Chapter 58
A Jealous Rage
Threatening his hospital?
Knowing Fraser's ruthless streak, Xavier backed off fast.
"I was at the Linden Bridal Boutique today, picking up my cousin's jewelry, and
saw Summer trying on dresses... with Trevor."
"Is that so?" Fraser's voice was glacial.
Even over the phone, Xavier felt the chill of his anger.
Looked like Fraser was serious about Summer.
"Mr. Graham, do you actually like her?"
The call cut off, leaving Xavier stunned.
Meanwhile, Amelia and Zack swapped a glance and switched seats. Amelia plopped down next to Fraser.
As Zack's sister and the Miller Group's heiress, she'd known Fraser since childhood when their families were tight. She'd fallen for him at first sight and had been angling to marry into the Graham family ever since. No luck so far.
With Zack tanking the family business and their wealth dwindling, they were desperate to latch onto the Graham family again.
The moment Amelia sat beside Fraser, she felt the jealous glares from the other actresses, feeding her ego.
Amelia thought to herself, A-list stars? Please. I am a Miller heiress, only someone of my caliber could match the Graham family.
She held two glasses of red wine and offered one to Fraser, her voice syrupy. "Mr. Graham, it's Amelia. Remember me?"
Fraser, still seething from the photo, was about to bolt when he saw her in his way.
"What?" he snapped.
Amelia's tone was sweet as a songbird. "Mr. Graham, we met as kids. I even went shopping with your mom recently, she really likes me."
The current Mrs. Graham wasn't his birth mother, but she'd raised him.
Fraser stood, his gaze icy. "If she likes you, what's that got to do with me?"
He brushed past her, ready to leave.
Amelia, panicking, reached for his hand. "Mr. Graham, don't go! I've got so much to say, "
A Jealous Rage
Zack, who'd been flirting with a starlet, rushed over at her yelp.
Finished
"Mr. Graham, what's wrong? Did Amelia mess up? She's adored you since we were kids, maybe she got too excited. Forgive her, please."
Fraser's patience was gone. Normally, he might spare some courtesy for the Miller patriarch, but not tonight.
"You and your sister are two peas in a pod," he said, voice dripping with disdain, and stormed off without a glance back.
Zack shivered under Fraser's glare, the crowd snickering at the Millers' public humiliation.
Summer didn't go home that night. She crashed at Yvette's swanky apartment in Havenbrook's ritzy district.
Yvette had a room set aside just for her, a mark of their tight bond.
Fresh from a shower, Summer padded out in pajamas and grabbed a mineral water from the fridge.
Yvette burst in, rocking a sexy red strapless dress.
Summer blinked. "Back already?"
Yvette kicked off her heels, rubbing her ankles. "Mr. Graham bailed, so the party fizzled out. We all called it early."
Summer sipped her water, pausing at Fraser's name. Casually, she asked, "What went down with the prince?"
Chapter 59
Confessions and Revelations
Finished
Yvette, clueless to Summer's tension, grinned. "Tonight, Amelia tried to cozy up to him, but he shut her down hard. You should've seen her face, like she'd swallowed a dozen flies.
Yvette continued to say. "Mr. Graham's on another level, untouchable, wild, reckless. The Miller family are a big deal in Havenbrook, but he didn't hesitate to snub them. Amelia's a bit of an airhead, but she's hot. I heard rumors he's gay, that's why he brushed her off."
Yvette sighed. "Such a waste if he is, with that model physique.”
Summer choked on her water.
Yvette glanced over. "You okay, babe?"
"Just choked a little," Summer coughed.
Choking at Fraser's name? Yvette's gossip senses tingled.
"By the way, what did you need from Fraser last time?" Yvette asked.
Summer set her water down and sank onto the sofa. "Investment."
Yvette flopped beside her, resting her head on Summer's lap.
Summer's hands instinctively started massaging Yvette's forehead.
"I saw Stewart Group scored a 1 billion dollars deal from Graham Group. How'd you swing that? What's your deal with him?"
Yvette shut her eyes, soaking in Summer's skilled touch, way better than any spa.
Summer had learned this trick to ease Trevor's migraines, and Yvette had teased her endlessly for it.
"Wasting this on Trevor? Criminal," Yvette muttered.
Summer frowned. "I really broke up with Trevor."
Yvette waved it off. "Yeah, I know, you said that."
Seeing Yvette's casual dismissal, Summer pressed harder with her fingers.
"Ow! Easy, babe! Trevor's not your only treasure, I am too. We've got years of friendship here!" Yvette teased
Summer.
"Then do you believe I dumped him?” Summer asked.
Yvette caught the seriousness in her tone and sat up. "Summer, I've told you to ditch that jerk a thousand times, but you always went back after sulking. How can I trust you now?"
Summer rolled her eyes and thought to herself. Fair point. I'd been an idiot, and now everyone assumed I was head-over-heels for Trevor. It was my own fault. But Yvette is my best friend, I don't want her to misunderstand.
Confessions and Revelations
Summer stayed calm. "It wasn't Trevor. It was... Fraser."
Yvette shot up, jaw dropping, "Mr. Graham? Fraser? The gay one?"
Summer nodded, then shook her head. "He's probably not gay"
She then thought to herself, Unless he swings both ways.
Yvette was shocked. "Oh my God, Summer! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
Finished
Yvette was over the moon. She thought to herself, Her bestie had finally ditched Trevor and hooked up with Havenbrook's top bachelor.
Summer gave a quick rundown of recent events, skipping the kidnapping to spare Yvette worry.
Yvette beamed. "Babe, you're incredible! You finally dropped Trevor. Being with him was like a flower stuck in garbage."
Leaning in, she whispered, "So, how was it? Mr. Graham's skills in bed?"
She was dying to know what it was like with a guy like Fraser, tall, ripped, and flawless.
Chapter 60
A Hospital Encounter
Summer blushed, feigning ignorance. "What do you mean?"
Finished
Yvette rolled her eyes. "Don't play shy. We're besties, I told you every detail of my first time. Spill it!"
Summer coughed, flustered. Yvette's love life was legendary, she didn't need a megaphone.
"How was it?" Yvette pressed. "Good? Amazing? Out of this world?"
Summer's cars turned pink. She nodded.
Aside from the initial sting, it'd been a mix of ache and bliss, intensely satisfying.
She worried she'd get hooked if they kept it up.
Yvette slapped her thigh. "Knew it! With that body, him being gay would be insane.
If it weren't weird to share a guy with my bestie, I'd take a shot myself."
Summer's forehead twitched. Good thing Yvette had some limits.
"You've slept with him a few times. Do you have feelings for him?”
Yvette knew Summer took love seriously, she wasn't casual about sex. That's why she'd only been with Trevor for so long.
Summer propped her chin on her hand. "I don't want to jump from one mess to another. Right now, I just want to take over Stewart Group."
She didn't dare gamble with Fraser.
"You're nuts," Yvette said. "Does sleeping together mean you have to fall in love? Can't it just be fun? It's the 21st century, women can enjoy sex too. It's good for your hormones. Look at your skin, it's glowing. I could
kiss it."
Yvette continued. "Fraser's great in bed, so why not keep it going?"
"..." Summer was speechless.
Since Trevor ditched her at the bridal shop, he'd been absent without official leave for two days. Jasper might've reached out to him, but Summer didn't care.
She occasionally brainstormed ways to pry shares from Jasper, a sly old fox who only budged for profit.
With Yvette off shooting a film, Summer stayed at her place.
That day, post-meeting, she collided with a colleague juggling files. The impact jolted her wrist, already tender from Trevor's grip days earlier.
She'd soaked it in hot water before, which helped, but this hit made it throb again.
The colleague freaked out, apologizing nonstop. Summer waved it off, it wasn't intentional.
A Hospital Encounter
and a daily cream.
As Summer picked up her meds, she spotted Peyton in a hospital gown, trailed by
a nurse.
Their eyes locked across the long corridor, tension crackling like sparks in the air. Peyton had just finished a heart check-up, her transplant was tomorrow. She was torn between excitement and dread.
Excitement for an 80% success rate and a healthy body. Dread that Trevor might not dote on her as much once she was well.
Peyton thought, Lately, Trevor had been distant, ignoring my texts and calls, only showing up for surgery paperwork.
Peyton's unease grew, especially knowing Trevor had taken Summer wedding dress shopping
Her jealousy burned. She wanted to rip Summer apart for wrecking her bond with Trevor.
Peyton thought, Without Summer, none of this would've happened.
But with surgery looming and Josh keeping tabs, she'd been stuck harassing Summer over WhatsApp.
Now, face-to-face, Peyton shooed her nurse away and marched over, shedding her frail act for arrogance and venom.