The Billionaire's Sudden Bride Chapter 304

Summer's POV

*Has Brandon been good to you?*

Sean's question kept repeating in my head. Objectively, I knew the answer was yes. Brandon had been more than good to me—he'd been extraordinary. He'd protected me, supported me, chosen me over and over again.

And yet, here I was, feeling like my heart had been ripped out of my chest.

"Fuck," I whispered, pressing the heels of my hands against my eyes.

Rationally, I understood what Sean was trying to tell me. I should trust Brandon, give him the benefit of the doubt. But emotionally? That was a different story. The image of Lyanna standing there with Timothy, calling Brandon "Daddy," was burned into my brain.

I rolled onto my side, hugging a pillow to my chest. The bed felt too big, too empty without Brandon beside me. But I couldn't face him right now. Not when my emotions were this raw.

It was a miracle I'd held it together this long. After everything with Alexander and Victoria, after my parents' betrayal—I thought I was done with surprises.

Sleep eluded me completely. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Timothy's innocent face looking up at Brandon with complete adoration.

---

Morning came with painful brightness. I dragged myself out of bed, feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. One glance in the mirror confirmed I looked as bad as I felt—dark circles under my eyes, hair a mess, face pale.

When I stepped into the hallway, Brandon was emerging from the guest room at the same time. He looked as exhausted as I felt, his usually impeccable appearance showing signs of a restless night. For a moment, we just stared at each other across the corridor.

He looked away first, his shoulders tense. "Summer—"

"You want to explain?" I cut him off, my voice surprisingly steady.

Brandon's eyes met mine again. "Do you want to hear it?"

"I don't know," I admitted, crossing my arms protectively over my chest. "I don't know what I want right now."

I turned away, heading for the stairs.

"Summer!" Brandon called after me, his voice strained.

I paused at the top of the stairs, not turning around. "What?"

"I can explain everything," he said quietly. "If you want to hear it."

I finally looked back at him. "Do you want to tell me?"

"Yes," he said without hesitation. "But only if you're ready to listen."

I shook my head, feeling suddenly overwhelmed. "I need some time," I said, my voice cracking slightly. "I just... I need time, Brandon."

He nodded slowly. "Okay."

---

The next few days were excruciating. Brandon and I moved around each other like ghosts, careful not to get too close. I slept alone in our bedroom while he took the guest room without complaint.

At work, everyone could feel the tension. The atmosphere at Stark Group became so strained that people scattered when they saw either of us coming.

Lyanna, meanwhile, was clearly delighted by the rift between us. I caught her smirking at me more than once during meetings, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

By the fifth day, even I had to admit this couldn't go on. We were both miserable, both exhausted, both hurting. But I still couldn't bring myself to make the first move.

Then came the day I had to meet with representatives from Sotheby's. Leo Schmidt and I spent hours negotiating terms, and by the time we finished, I was mentally drained.

I was walking out of Christie's when I spotted Brandon's Bentley parked across the street. Leo excused himself almost immediately, and I knew without asking that Brandon had arranged it.

James held the car door open for me with a sympathetic smile. I slid into the back seat, not surprised to find Brandon already there.

"Mr. Schmidt seemed in a hurry," I commented dryly as James closed the door.

"He had another appointment," Brandon replied, not even attempting to hide the lie.

James started the car, and we pulled away from the curb. The silence between us was deafening.

"There's a new restaurant in Tribeca I thought we might try," Brandon said after a few minutes.

I didn't respond.

"Or there's that new movie everyone's talking about."

Still nothing.

"We could drive up to see your grandfather this weekend."

"Can you please be quiet?" I finally snapped, turning to glare at him.

Brandon's jaw tightened, and he pressed a button. The privacy screen between us and James silently rose.

The moment we were isolated, Brandon shifted closer. "Summer, I've respected your need for space, but this has gone on long enough. This cold treatment... I won't accept it anymore."

I turned to face him fully. "Does it feel bad, Brandon? Being shut out? Being left in the dark?" My voice was low but intense. "Because that's how I felt when I found out you've been hiding things from me."

Brandon's expression softened slightly. "It feels terrible," he admitted.

"That's how I felt too," I whispered. "That day, when Lyanna showed up with Timothy... I've never felt pain like that before. Not even when I caught Alexander with Victoria."

"Summer," Brandon said softly, "I'm with you. I've never wanted to be with anyone else. Have you?"

I met his eyes. "No. Never. Not since the moment we got together."

"Then tell me what I need to do to fix this."

I took a deep breath. "Tell me about Lyanna. Tell me the truth about your relationship with her. Tell me about Timothy."

Brandon's expression darkened. "It's a relationship built on manipulation and exploitation—from both sides," he said bluntly. "I never loved her. I was never engaged to her."

"Then why—"

"Lyanna saved my life once," he interrupted. "Three years ago, she saved my life. I promised I'd repay her."

I gasped softly.

"After that, she disappeared. She'd been kidnapped from Stark property and was missing for a month. When we found her, she'd been raped. I helped keep it quiet."

"Oh my God," I whispered.

"My father wanted me to marry her. I agreed to an engagement, but before it could be announced, she ran away with someone. She was already pregnant when she left."

"And Timothy?"

"Timothy is her son from that pregnancy," Brandon confirmed. "He's not mine, Summer. Timothy and my grandfather had DNA tests done. He's a Stark, but he's not my child."

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. "Then whose...?"

Brandon's expression was grim. "That's the question. There are only a few possibilities, and none of them are good."

I sat back, absorbing all this. "So Lyanna came back because...?"

"I don't think it has anything to do with love. It's about Timothy's father and my grandfather's wishes. William Stark has always had a soft spot for Lyanna."

"And she's trying to break us up because your grandfather wants her for you instead of me," I concluded.

Brandon nodded. "I've been tolerating her partly because of what she did for me, but mostly because I need to find out who Timothy's father really is."

I slowly reached out, placing my palm over his. "I'm sorry I didn't give you a chance to explain."

Brandon immediately turned his hand to grasp mine. "I should have told you everything from the beginning. I was afraid it might drive you away."

"Nothing could drive me away," I said softly. "Not unless you wanted me gone."

"Never," he whispered. "I'll never want you gone."

"Let's go home," Brandon said suddenly.

*Home*. The word struck me with unexpected force. Despite everything, The Hamptons had become home—because Brandon was there.

I squeezed his hand and nodded. "Yes," I said softly. "Let's go home."

Chapter 307 Chapter307

Summer's POV

The smell of beef stew hit me the moment I stepped into the kitchen, and my stomach immediately revolted. I froze in the doorway.

"Is dinner ready?" I asked, trying to sound normal despite the sudden wave of nausea washing over me.

Brandon looked up with a smile. "Almost. Go wash your hands! Dinner's ready!"

I took a cautious step forward, but as the rich aroma intensified, my stomach lurched violently. I clamped my hand over my mouth, feeling bile rise in my throat.

Brandon turned around, his smile fading instantly when he saw my face. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

I couldn't answer. The smell was overwhelming now, and I felt cold sweat breaking out across my forehead. I shook my head frantically and bolted for the nearest trash can by the kitchen door.

I barely made it, doubling over the bin as my body heaved. But nothing came up except bitter liquid—I hadn't eaten much today.

"Summer!" Brandon was at my side in an instant, one hand on my back. "What's going on? Are you sick? Is it your stomach?"

I coughed and spit into the trash, trying to catch my breath. "I don't know," I managed to gasp. "The smell just hit me and I—"

I couldn't finish the sentence as another wave of nausea hit me. When I finally straightened up, I found Brandon staring at me with a strange intensity. His eyes had darkened, and his lips were pressed into a thin line.

"What?" I asked, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"When was your last period?" he asked abruptly.

I felt my face flush hot with embarrassment. "What? Why would you—" I stopped mid-sentence as his question actually registered in my brain.

*Oh my God.*

My mind raced back, trying to remember. When *was* my last period? I'd been so busy with work and everything happening with Lyanna that I hadn't even noticed...

"I... I don't know," I stammered, my heart suddenly pounding. "I can't remember."

Brandon pulled out his phone and opened his calendar app, scrolling back a few weeks. "According to this, you should have started around the 27th or 28th. Today's the 30th."

I stared at him, momentarily forgetting my nausea. "You track my periods in your calendar?"

He shrugged, not looking the least bit embarrassed. "Of course. It's important information."

"Oh my God," I whispered, my hand unconsciously moving to my stomach. "I didn't get my period last month either. I thought it was just stress from everything that happened with Lyanna."

Brandon's eyes lit up, and a smile slowly spread across his face.

"You think I'm pregnant?" I asked, my voice barely audible.

Brandon didn't answer right away. Instead, he ran his hand through his hair—something he rarely did—and started pacing the kitchen. His usual composure was completely gone, replaced by an almost manic energy I'd never seen in him before.

"Brandon?"

"You stay right there," he ordered, pointing at me. "Sit down. Since you don't want to eat this stuff, just rest. I'm going out for a bit!"

He was already moving, patting his pockets for his car keys, then doubling back to grab his wallet from the counter. He practically sprinted to the door, leaving me standing there in shock.

"Brandon!" I called after him. "Calm down! Where are you going?"

"Just stay there!" he shouted back, and then he was gone.

---

Thirty-five minutes later, Brandon burst into the kitchen, still wearing his outdoor shoes, clutching a large pharmacy bag. His hair was disheveled, and there was a wild look in his eyes.

"Here," he said, thrusting the bag at me. "The pharmacy worker explained how to use them. I wasn't sure which one would be most accurate, so I got one of each brand. Just to be safe."

I peeked into the bag and felt my face heat up. There had to be at least eight different pregnancy tests inside.

"Brandon!" I exclaimed, mortified. "I can't believe you bought out the entire pharmacy!"

"I was concerned about accuracy," he said seriously. "This is important, Summer. We need to be sure."

I headed toward the bathroom, feeling Brandon's eyes on me the whole way. "Brandon! Calm down, will you? I'm just going to try a couple first. You stay here."

As I waited for the results, my mind raced with possibilities. What would it mean if I was pregnant? How would our lives change?

I glanced down at the first test and my heart leaped—two lines. Positive.

"Oh my God," I whispered, a smile spreading across my face. I couldn't help it—I actually jumped up and down a little in excitement.

To be sure, I quickly took a second test from a different brand. A few minutes later, there it was again—two lines. Positive.

When I finally opened the door, Brandon was right there, his face a mask of barely contained anxiety.

"Well?" he demanded, his voice tight. "What did it say?"

I arranged my features into a disappointed expression and sighed heavily. "Brandon..."

His face fell immediately, and he stepped forward to pull me into his arms. "It's okay," he said softly, stroking my hair. "We're still young, Summer. There's plenty of time for children later. Or we can start trying now if you want."

His immediate acceptance and support made my eyes well up with tears. I pushed against his chest to look up at him.

"Brandon Stark," I said, unable to keep the smile off my face any longer, "you are going to be a father."

He froze, his eyes widening. "What?"

I laughed and pulled the two positive tests from my pocket, waving them in front of him. "Two lines. I'm pregnant!"

Brandon's expression transformed from confusion to pure joy in an instant. Before I could say another word, he had swept me up into his arms, spinning me around.

"Brandon!" I shrieked, laughing. "Put me down! Be careful with the baby!"

He immediately set me down, his hands moving to cradle my face. "You're right, I'm sorry. I'll be more careful." His eyes were shining with happiness. "We're having a baby?"

I nodded, feeling tears of joy spill down my cheeks. "We're having a baby."

Brandon pressed his forehead against mine, his hands now gently resting on my still-flat stomach. "I can't believe it," he murmured. "This is amazing."

"Are you happy?" I asked softly.

"Happy doesn't begin to cover it," he replied, his voice thick with emotion. "Summer, this is... I never thought I could feel this way."

"And we need to call Sean," Brandon continued, already pulling out his phone. "We need to get you the best doctor, schedule a full checkup, make sure everything is okay."

"Brandon," I said, placing my hand over his. "Slow down. We have time for all that tomorrow. Right now, can we just... enjoy this moment?"

He took a deep breath and nodded, his face softening into a smile that made my heart melt. "You're right."

I placed my hand on my stomach, marveling at the miracle growing inside me. Despite all the drama with Lyanna, despite all the business challenges, despite everything—this felt right. This felt like the beginning of something beautiful.

"Our baby," I whispered, looking up at Brandon with tears in my eyes.

"Our baby," he repeated, his voice filled with wonder. "I love you, Summer. Both of you."

Chapter 308 Chapter308

Summer's POV

The next morning, I found myself being ushered into Manhattan General Hospital like precious cargo. Brandon had barely slept, spending most of the night researching pregnancy symptoms and making calls. By 7 AM, he'd arranged for us to see Dr. Sean Sullivan and apparently the best obstetrics specialist in New York.

"Brandon," I whispered as we walked through the hospital's pristine corridors, "you do realize I'm just pregnant, not made of glass, right?"

He didn't even crack a smile. "We need to make sure everything's perfect."

Sean met us at the entrance to the obstetrics department, looking amused at Brandon's intensity. "Good morning, expectant parents," he said cheerfully. "Summer, how are you feeling?"

"Fine, just—"

"She threw up last night," Brandon interrupted. "And this morning. Twice."

I rolled my eyes. "I can speak for myself, thank you very much."

After being led into an examination room, I underwent what felt like every test known to medical science. Blood draws, urine samples, questionnaires about my medical history—you name it, they did it. Brandon waited outside, and I could only imagine him pacing the hallway like an expectant father from a 1950s sitcom.

When I finally emerged from the examination room, Brandon was at my side in an instant, his arm around my waist.

"How do you feel? Are you tired? Dizzy?" His eyes scanned my face with such intensity that I almost laughed.

"I'm completely fine!" I reassured him, accepting the bottle of water he practically shoved into my hands. "It was just routine testing, Brandon. Nothing exhausting."

"She's right," Sean chimed in, walking over to us. "Most of these tests are standard procedure."

Brandon ignored him, instead pulling a thermos from his bag. "Here, I brought you some warm water. The temperature is perfect."

I accepted it with a smile, genuinely moved by his thoughtfulness despite his over-the-top behavior. As I took a sip, I noticed Sean eyeing Brandon's bag with growing amusement.

"Dude," Sean said, peering into Brandon's open bag, "what else do you have in there? A portable hospital?"

I glanced down and had to stifle a laugh. The bag was packed with everything from energy bars to a small blanket, multiple bottles of water, and what looked like a first aid kit.

"Don't you think you're overreacting a bit?" Sean continued. "You guys don't even know for sure if she's pregnant yet. The home tests are pretty accurate, but still."

Brandon shot him a withering look. "What would you know? Have you ever been a father?" He paused for dramatic effect. "Oh wait, you've never even been married."

Sean's mouth dropped open, and his expression darkened like someone had just pulled the plug on his sunny disposition. I bit my lip to keep from laughing at his utterly offended face.

"Since we've done all the tests," I asked, "when can we expect to get the results?"

Sean, still looking slightly wounded from Brandon's verbal jab, cleared his throat. "The pregnancy test results will be available very soon. As for the other tests Brandon insisted on—complete blood count, hormone levels, genetic screenings—those will take longer."

"Complete genetic screening?" I raised an eyebrow at Brandon. "Seriously?"

Before I could get an answer, a woman in a white coat approached us. She was in her fifties with kind eyes and an air of quiet authority.

"Dr. Morgan," Sean greeted her. "These are the Starks. Brandon and Summer."

Dr. Morgan smiled, but I noticed her eyes lingering on Brandon with a mixture of amusement and assessment. With his intense stare and protective stance, he probably looked like either the world's most devoted husband or a high-functioning lunatic.

"Mr. Stark, Mrs. Stark," she nodded. "The initial results will be ready momentarily."

Brandon stepped forward. "And you're certain these tests are comprehensive? I want to make sure we're not missing anything."

Dr. Morgan's smile never faltered. "Mr. Stark, I've been delivering babies for twenty-five years. I assure you, the tests we've run are more than adequate." She turned to me with a warmer expression. "Based on my experience, Mrs. Stark, I believe you are indeed pregnant. You're showing all the classic signs."

My heart fluttered at her words, and I instinctively placed my hand over my stomach.

True to her word, a nurse appeared shortly with a folder. Dr. Morgan reviewed the contents, her face breaking into a genuine smile as she looked up at us.

"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Stark. You're definitely pregnant." She paused, her smile widening. "And based on the hormone levels, I'd say you're about five weeks along."

Brandon immediately took the folder from her hands, scrutinizing every detail with laser-like focus. His eyes widened as he studied what looked like an ultrasound image.

"Is that...?" he began, his voice uncharacteristically soft.

Dr. Morgan nodded. "Yes, those are your babies. Twins, Mr. Stark."

"Twins?" I gasped, my knees suddenly feeling weak. Brandon's arm tightened around me.

"Twins," Dr. Morgan confirmed. "It's too early to determine whether they're identical or fraternal, but there are definitely two separate embryonic sacs."

I stared at the ultrasound image, trying to make sense of the tiny blobs that would become our children. The reality of it hit me all at once, and I felt tears spring to my eyes.

Sean, who had been watching this exchange with uncharacteristic silence, finally broke into a wide grin.

"Holy shit, Brandon is actually broken," he laughed. "Look at him! I've never seen him like this in all the years I've known him."

I couldn't help but smile. It was true—Brandon looked completely unlike himself. The usual cool, calculated CEO was nowhere to be seen, replaced by an awestruck soon-to-be father.

Brandon suddenly snapped back to attention, turning to Dr. Morgan with renewed intensity. He stepped slightly in front of me, as if physically shielding me from Sean.

"What precautions should she be taking? Diet restrictions? Activity limitations?" The questions poured out of him in rapid succession. "And what about prenatal vitamins? Should she start taking them immediately?"

Dr. Morgan's eyes crinkled with amusement. "Mr. Stark, I'll provide you with a complete list of recommendations. With twins, we do need to be a bit more cautious, but Mrs. Stark appears to be in excellent health."

She turned to me. "You'll need to come in for more frequent check-ups than with a singleton pregnancy. Twins can sometimes lead to complications, but please don't worry—we'll be monitoring you closely."

"Since your husband seems particularly concerned," Dr. Morgan said with a smile, "I'll write out a detailed care plan for you both. And Mr. Stark," she added, looking directly at Brandon, "try to remember that your wife is pregnant, and stay with her as long sa you can."

Chapter 309 Chapter309

Summer's POV

I was still processing the fact that I was pregnant with twins when my phone rang. Brandon had just stepped out to take a call from James about some urgent Stark Group matter, leaving me alone in the study of The Hamptons estate. Glancing at the caller ID, I saw it was my grandfather, Jonathan Thompson.

"Hello, Grandpa," I answered, smiling.

"Well, imagine my surprise when that old man George called to brag about becoming a great-grandfather before me! Hmph!" Jonathan huffed. "That fool had the nerve to gloat, as if he has more right to know about my granddaughter's pregnancy than I do!"

My pupils constricted in shock. How did hel already know about my pregnancy? We'd only confirmed it this morning!

I couldn't help but laugh. "Grandpa, are you seriously having a competition about who gets to be a great-grandfather first?"

"Don't change the subject, young lady," he grumbled. "Why did I have to hear this news from that smug old goat instead of from you?"

"Grandpa, don't be upset," I said quickly. "I was planning to tell you, I swear! Brandon just wanted to make sure everything was confirmed before we started telling people. We didn't want to get everyone's hopes up in case it was a false alarm."

"And? Is it confirmed?" His voice softened slightly, anticipation replacing his annoyance.

"Yes, it is," I said, unable to keep the excitement from my voice. "I'm definitely pregnant."

"Ha! Wonderful! I'm going to be a great-grandfather!" His voice boomed with delight, all traces of irritation vanished. "When did you find out? How far along are you?"

"The test results came back today. I'm about five weeks along," I explained, still marveling at the reality myself.

"Excellent, excellent! This calls for a celebration!" Jonathan declared.

"Actually, Grandpa, there's something else—something that old man doesn't know yet," I said, feeling a little mischievous.

"Oh?" His interest was immediately piqued.

"The tests came back from Dr. Sean's clinic today. I'm having twins!"

There was a moment of stunned silence, then an explosive whoop of joy that forced me to hold the phone away from my ear.

"Twins! My God, twins!" Jonathan was practically shouting. "This is fantastic! Oh, I can't wait to tell George—his face will be priceless!"

I laughed, picturing the two elderly rivals trying to one-up each other with grandfather bragging rights.

"Summer, you must come to dinner tonight," he insisted. "Come to my place in upstate right away. I'll prepare all your favorites. What would you like to eat? Just name it, and I will make it happen!"

"Grandpa, I—"

"No excuses! You and Brandon are coming tonight. I insist," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "And from now on, I'm sending Parker to The Hamptons to take care of you. You need proper looking after, especially with twins!"

I bit my lip, trying not to laugh at how everyone was suddenly treating me like I was made of porcelain. Between Brandon's helicopter hovering and now my grandfather's fussing, these next eight months were going to be interesting.

"Grandpa, that's really not necessary—"

"It absolutely is! Parker will make sure you're eating properly and getting enough rest. He knows exactly what pregnant women need—he took care of your grandmother when she was expecting your mother!"

Before I could protest further, he abruptly ended the call with, "I'll see you tonight. Don't be late!"

I stared at my phone, torn between amusement and exasperation. When Brandon walked back into the study, I couldn't help but shake my head and laugh.

"What's so funny?" he asked, sitting beside me on the leather couch.

"That was my grandfather," I explained. "Apparently, Grandpa George already knows about the pregnancy and called to gloat about becoming a great-grandfather. Grandpa's invited us to dinner tonight so he can properly celebrate."

Brandon nodded, unsurprised. "I heard most of it. Your grandfather's getting increasingly childish in his old age."

"We'll have to go," I sighed. "He won't take no for an answer."

"Of course," Brandon agreed easily. "James can handle things at the office."

I studied Brandon's face, suddenly curious about something that had been nagging at me. "Brandon, you were my grandfather's student once, weren't you? That's how you first knew me?"

A small smile played at the corner of his mouth. "Maybe. Why do you ask?"

I frowned, trying to conjure up memories from that time. "It's strange, but I can't seem to remember much from those years. I should be able to recall meeting you, especially if you were Grandpa's star student. He never mentioned you to me either, which is odd considering how much he values talented students."

Brandon's eyes flickered briefly with something I couldn't quite read. "Your memory's not that bad. Don't worry about it."

"But it doesn't make sense," I persisted. "I should remember something. According to what you've said, we met before that day at the grand hotel, but I have absolutely no recollection of it. My memory isn't usually this spotty."

Brandon reached out and tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "Don't strain yourself trying to remember. It's not important now."

"But it is," I insisted. "When exactly did you first start... you know, being interested in me? And why wait until then to make a move?"

Brandon's expression grew more serious. "I've known you longer than you realize, Summer."

I felt my heart skip a beat. "So that wasn't our first meeting? I always thought it was."

"No," he said quietly. "That wasn't the first time we met."

The revelation hit me like a thunderbolt. Everything I thought I knew about our relationship suddenly shifted. "So you knew who I was all along? All those times we ran into each other, everything that happened between us—you already knew me?"

"Yes," he admitted. "I've been aware of who you are for a long time."

"So you've been... what? Watching me? Following my life?" I was trying to process this new information.

Brandon's lips curved into a small smile. "You could say I've had my eye on you for quite some time."

I nodded slowly, a strange warmth spreading through my chest. "I had no idea. I'm genuinely surprised—and touched. I never thought anyone would care about me that much, especially someone like you."

"Why are you surprised?" He reached out and took my hand. "Is it so hard to believe that I'd fall for you?"

"I just... I never expected it," I admitted. "When did it start? When did you first decide you were interested in me?"

Brandon's smile turned enigmatic. "Figure it out yourself. Then come ask me if you're right."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "How come I don't recall any of that?"

"That's also what I'm tring to find out," he said.

As I stared at my husband—this man who had apparently been part of my life far longer than I realized—I felt both confused and strangely comforted. There was more to our story than I knew, pieces of a puzzle I couldn't yet see.