Chapter 340: Sweet Promise
Summer’s lips curled into a mischievous smile as she teased, “Actually, I just realized how much trouble comes with being ‘Mrs. Graham.’”
Fraser’s arm tightened possessively around her slender waist, his dark eyes glinting with something deeper. His voice dropped to that low, gravelly tone that never failed to make her shiver. “Too late for regrets now. I won’t let you escape.”
Pressed against the solid wall of his chest, Summer reached up to play with his slate-gray tie, her usually crisp voice softening into something sweet and rare. “Then you’ll have to treat me extra well.”
Fraser’s gaze deepened into something molten, his thumb tracing idle circles on her hip. “Haven’t I been good to you?”
She nestled closer, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. A lazy smile curved her lips, those elusive dimples making an appearance. “I mean properly good. Only me in your eyes, never making me angry, never bullying me—”
Fraser silenced her with a kiss, his lips capturing hers mid-sentence.
The night wrapped around them like a velvet curtain—stars twinkling like scattered diamonds above, the faint scent of gardenias carried on the breeze that ruffled Summer’s hair. Their silhouettes, bathed in moonlight, formed a perfect tableau of intimacy that seemed to stop time itself.
Somewhere in the distance, a discreet camera shutter clicked, capturing this private moment between Havenbrook’s most talked-about couple.
When Fraser finally pulled away, his eyes held such depth of emotion it nearly stole Summer’s breath. “I love you, Summer.”
The unexpected declaration hit her like a physical force. Her heart pounded so violently she thought it might burst from her chest, her breath catching in a quiet gasp. For a moment, she simply stared at him, her eyes wide with wonder.
Then, rising on tiptoe, she threw her arms around his neck, burying her face against his shoulder. Her voice came out rough with emotion. “Then love me forever.”
Fraser chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest as he pressed a kiss to her hair. “Always, my baby.”
When she clung tighter, he added in a more serious tone, “If I ever break this promise, may I—”
Summer’s hand flew up to cover his mouth. “Don’t you dare say it!” she demanded, her fingers trembling slightly against his lips.
Gently pulling her hand away, Fraser held her gaze with unwavering certainty. “It won’t happen. Because I can’t break what’s written in my bones.”
Summer’s vision blurred with shed tears. “Even if one day your feelings change, I still… I could never bear anything bad happening to you.”
Fraser’s expression softened as he brushed his lips against her forehead. “Silly girl,” he murmured. “If that impossible day ever comes, know this: my heart will still beat for you. This I swear.”
The weight of his words settled over Summer like sunlight after rain. For the first time, the phrase “the future is bright” didn’t feel like empty optimism but a tangible truth she could hold in her hands.
The sudden change in music drew their attention to the villa’s floor-to-ceiling windows—where dozens of guests had gathered to watch their intimate moment.
Summer hastily stepped back, her cheeks flushing pink.
Two middle-aged men in tailored suits approached with cocktails in hand. “Mr. Graham, about the Norwyn development project—since you’re free tonight, perhaps we could discuss it?”
Those were Samuel Harper and Cedar Harper—Martin’s second and third sons. The Graham Group and Granthera Bank have a collaboration. Though Martin still nominally headed Granthera Bank, his sons now handled most operations. This collaboration is typically initiated by Martin and then his sons proceed with it.
“Mrs. Graham,” Samuel smiled, “might we borrow your husband briefly?”
Summer, already embarrassed by their audience, nodded hastily. “I’ll go find Merry.” The banquet was in the hills; it would be difficult for her to go back after the banquet finishes. So, Summer decided to send Merry home when she left.
Fraser caught her fingers, reluctance evident. “Call me if you need anything…”
Cedar laughed. “How enviable is your devotion!”
Not wanting to seem clingy, Summer waved them off. “Alright, don’t let me interrupt the business.”
In a third-floor bedroom, Morgan was unleashing her rage. “I’ve never been so humiliated in my life!” Vases shattered against the walls as she screamed, her carefully constructed world crumbling around her.