Chapter 288: Her Choice

Summer lifted the covers and carefully lay down on one side of the bed. The moment she settled in, Fraser's feverish body shifted behind her. His arms wrapped tightly around her, pulling her fully into his embrace. Pressed against that burning warmth, Summer murmured, "Does anything else hurt?"

Fraser leaned in, lips brushing her ear. His voice was low and lazy. "Yeah… down there."

Summer's face flushed instantly, redder than a sunset. And right away, she felt something unmistakably hard against her from behind. She swallowed, her voice a little shaky. "Dr. Xavier said… your body can't handle that right now!"

"He's a quack. I'm fine." His voice was thick, husky with restraint. "Summer."

"Baby." Summer bit her lip, stealing a glance over her shoulder. He really did look uncomfortable. Before she could stop herself, the words were out. "I can help you. Just this once."

A pause. Then, slowly, she lifted the blanket and slid down. A few minutes later—the bedroom filled with the sound of heavy breathing, followed by a muffled, low groan. The air was thick with heat, laced with something sultry and warm.

The next morning, soft light filtered in through the gray curtains, casting a golden haze across the room like sheer fabric. Summer was still asleep, but the phone buzzed first. A well-toned arm reached for it across the bed, veins visible under the skin. Fraser's voice was low and satisfied. "Hello?"

Fraser's sleepiness faded. He leaned against the headboard, shirtless, abs chiseled like sculpture. Summer lay across his legs, curled up. His gaze dropped to her, soft and dark, one hand stroking her hair as he gave instructions into the phone. "Book it."

He hung up. Summer stirred. She instinctively snuggled closer, wrapping her arms tighter around his waist. Fraser raised a brow, amused by the unexpected clinginess. Something's different, he thought. Since yesterday… something changed. But he couldn't put his finger on what.

Summer blinked awake slowly. She met his eyes—deep and steady, filled with emotion that rolled like ocean waves. She reached up, placing a hand on his forehead. The heat was gone. Her shoulders relaxed in relief. Fraser caught her hand and kissed it. "Your doing." His voice carried a second meaning.

Summer's face turned crimson as memories from last night rushed back. The embarrassment hit like a wave, painting her cheeks pink. Her eyes shimmered faintly in the morning light. Last night had been… her first time doing something like that.

Fraser took one look at her shy expression and couldn't help himself. He shifted on top of her, arms braced on either side. His gaze didn't waver. His voice was low, dangerous. "Next time, it's my turn."

Summer couldn't take it anymore. She reached up and slapped a hand over his mouth. "Don't say another word!"

His tone turned serious. "Summer, I'm heading out on a trip. When I'm back, I want to visit your mom."

She blinked, unsure what he meant. Fraser's eyes locked on hers, full of certainty and something gentler. "What kind of wedding do you want?"

"Whatever it is, I'll make it happen. Anything you want. Okay?" For some reason, her eyes burned. Maybe this was it. The start of something new. A chapter that finally belonged to her—completely. Her family. Her life.

Later that morning, Fraser had to leave the country for an urgent matter at one of his overseas branches. The private jet had already filed its flight plan. Summer had meetings at work, so she didn't go with him to the airport. But right before takeoff, her phone buzzed.

Baby, wait for me.

She stared at the message, lips curving into a smile.

At the Graham family estate, the atmosphere was as strict and rigid as always. The guards were in place. The halls silent. In the grand sitting room, Madam Graham sat at the head of the table. A servant was making tea off to the side. Suddenly, the housekeeper stepped in. "Ma'am, someone named Miss Sienna is here asking for you."

Helen took a sip of her tea, calmly set the cup down.