Chapter 227

**Summer's POV**

Dr. Sean raised his hands defensively, backing away like he'd accidentally wandered into a minefield. "Okay, I'm just gonna..." he pointed at the door."leave you two to sort this out. Brandon, talk to your wife properly,for God's sake."

Brandon shot him a death glare before turning back to me,his expression softening.

"Summer," he began, his voice that special kind of patient that only emerged when he was trying very hard not to sound irritated, "bringing you to see a psychologist doesn't mean you have mental problems."

"Then what exactly does it mean?" I folded my arms across my chest."Because from where I'm standing, it sure looks like you think I'm going crazy after last night."

Brandon sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose-his universal sign of gathering patience. "Your nerves are frayed. You're tense. Last night was...intense. I brought you here so the doctor could help you relax,not because I think< there's something wrong with you."

I bit my lip, considering his words. The fear that Brandon might not make it back alive... MMaybe I was a little on edge.

"Look," Brandon's voice gentled as he took my hands in his,"I just want to make sure you're okay. No one is going to think you have problems.I promise."

My shoulders slumped as the fight drained out of me. "Fine. I'll see the

doctor. But I'm seriously okay, Brandon. I just... I never saw anyone killed before. I wasn't prepared for that."

Brandon's eyes turned solemn. "I know. And I promise I won't leave you alone like that again."

I squeezed his hands, nodding. "You better not."

Half an hour later, we walked out of Manhattan General. The session had been surprisingly helpful-just some relaxation techniques and a chance to process what had happened. Nothing too intrusive.

"See? That wasn't so bad," I said, squinting in the afternoon sunlight. "I told you I was fine, just a little tense. I'll work on my mental state, I promise."

Brandon nodded, his hand warm against the small of my back as he guided me to the car. "Hmm."

"Brandon, Summer! You're finally back!" Meave's worried voice greeted us the moment we stepped through the door of the Hamptons estate.Her elegant figure appeared in the foyer, her face a mixture of relief and concern. "You two didn't come home last night and didn't even call.Brandon, I expected better from you! Gavin and I waited up for so long,only to get your call this morning!"

Brandon gave her a casual half-smile. "I'm sure Uncle Gavin was thrilled we didn't come home. Rare opportunity for you two to have some alone time without us third-wheeling,right?"

I nudged him with my elbow before turning to Meave with an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry o-

were exhausted... I promise next time we're staying out or coming home late, we'll call you,okay?"

Meave's expression softened. "Well, it doesn't matter now. Actually,Gavin and I were planning to head back to the Stark mansion anyway."

"You're leaving?" I couldn't hide the disappointment in my voice."Why?Aren't you comfortable here?"

"Of course I am! Don't be silly," Meave reassured me. "We've been staying here quite a while. We only came for my health, and this is your home with Brandon. Our place is at the Stark family mansion."

My heart sank at the thought of Meave leaving. Over"the past weeks, I'd grown so attached to her presence in our home-her gentle wisdom, her warmth, the way she made even the enormous Hamptons estate feel like a real home.

"But..." I started, then stopped, not knowing what else to say.

Brandon placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "Where's Uncle Gavin?

"He stepped out to take a phone call," Meave replied, then looked between us with a knowing smile. "You two look tired. Was work busy today?"

Before I could answer, my emotions overwhelmed me. To my complete mortification, tears welled up in my eyes and spilled over. "I don't want you to go," I said, my voice small and watery.

"Oh, sweetheart!"Meave's arms were around me in an instant. "I'm just going home, not disappearing forever. If you miss me, just call, and I'll come see you!"

I sniffled against her shoulder, feeling ridiculous but unable to stop. "I'm sorry, I don't know why I'm being so emotional."

Meave stroked my hair gently. "It's alright. You remind me so much of Grace sometimes..."

Her voice trailed off, and I could feel her own grief rising to the surface.Grace-Gavin's daughter Katniss Kennedy who now went by Grace Stark-was a painful subject for Meave.

"Please don't be sad," I said, pulling back and wiping my eyes. "I promise I'll call you all the time after you go back. We can meet for coffee! Scarlett and I opened a small coffee shop together. I'd love to take you there sometime."

Meave's smile returned, bright and genuine. "I'd love that." She turned to Brandon,who had been watching our exchange with uncharacteristic patience. "Brandon, I'm leaving Summer in your care. Don't you dare mistreat her while we're gone, or I'll come back and set you straight."

Brandon's lips twitched. "Yes, ma'am."

"Brandon, would you mind bringing our bags down?" Meave asked.

As Brandon disappeared upstairs, I made one more attempt. "Meave,why the rush? Couldn't you stay a little longer? At least stay for dinner?"

She cupped my face in her soft hands. "Silly girl, there will be plenty of chances to see each other. I'm waiting for Brandon to officially bring you to the Stark family home. How about that?"

The ride to the Stark mansion was filled with Meave's stories. Brandon drove while Meave and I sat in the back seat, her voice animated as she regaled me with tales of B-----

"Summer, you wouldn't believe it-Brandon was such a handsome little boy, but he always had this serious face!" Meave laughed. "All the little girls had crushes on him, but he was never interested!"

I couldn't help sneaking glances at Brandon in therearview mirror,trying to imagine him as a solemn-faced child. It was almost impossible to picture.

Meave continued, oblivious to our exchange."He was so smart, too. While other children were still in middle school and high school, he skipped straight to university.

"You were the reason for that, Meave," Brandon said softly, his eyes meeting hers in the mirror. "Without you, there would be no Brandon Stark today."

"You two are meant for each other," Meave said, taking my hand. "No matter what challenges you face, never give up on each other. Trust each other,support each other. Promise?"

"I understand, Meave," I said, squeezing her hand. "When I married Brandon, I committed to a lifetime together."

In the rearview mirror, I caught Brandon's expression softening, the hard lines of his face relaxing into something almost tender.

As we pulled up to the imposing Stark family mansion, Brandon turned to me. "Stay in the car. I'll just help Meave with her bags and be right back."

"Okay," I agreed, watching as he helped Meave out of the car and retrieved their luggage from the trunk.

Brandon leaned down to the window. "Wait here. I won't be long."

"Got it!" I smiled, settling back in my seat.

I was scrolling through emails on my phone when a melodic female voice broke the silence.

"Brandon! You're back?"

My head jerked up. Elle Sinclair was rushing toward Brandon and Meave,her face lit with excitement.

"Aunt Jane, look who's here!" she called out. "It's Brandon! He came to see you!"