Chapter 309: A Toast to Trepidation
Summer hesitated for a moment but answered Lucas’s call. His voice carried a hint of apology.
“Summer, I’m sorry. I didn’t clarify things with my family in time. My mom saw the press conference and thought you and I were really together, even having a child. That’s how some reporters managed to twist her words,” Lucas explained.
Summer didn’t respond, and Lucas tentatively suggested, “Summer, given your current situation, you need a boyfriend. Why not make a mistake into a blessing? I could be your boyfriend for the time being until you leave. It might help you fend off the gossip.”
Summer lowered her eyelids and coldly declined. “No need. I’ll clear things up with an interview.”
After hanging up, Summer took a moment to gather herself and looked around the room, only then remembering she was still in the Graham mansion. She was alone; Fraser wasn’t there. At that moment, someone knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Summer said.
Six servants in uniform entered, followed by a cart filled with rows of glamorous clothing and precious jewelry. They bowed deeply to Summer, who was still on the bed.
“Ms. Stewart, we are here to assist you in getting up.”
Summer was a bit uncomfortable with the scene. “That won’t be necessary.”
The servants bowed again. “Ms. Stewart, this is our duty. What are your plans for today? Will you be attending business functions, or perhaps a social or high-society event? A makeup artist will be available to attend to you based on your needs.”
Summer was slightly taken aback. The sound of casual, deep footsteps entered from the doorway. Fraser leaned lazily against the frame, arms crossed, leisurely observing the woman on the bed.
Seeing him, Summer got out of bed and immediately went over to hold his hand. “Let them leave; I can get up on my own.”
Fraser’s dark eyes fell on her foot and he frowned. He picked up a pair of slippers from the floor, walked over to her, and knelt down. His long fingers grasped her delicate foot and slid it into the white furry slipper. Summer felt the warmth from his fingertips and couldn’t help but twitch her toes.
After Fraser helped her put on her shoes, he stood up. “What’s the matter?”
Summer spoke softly, “I’m not used to having so many people help me out of bed.”
Fraser’s lips curved slightly, pinching her pale cheek affectionately. “Next month you’ll officially be my wife; you’ll have to get used to a little pampering.”
Fraser waved his hand. “You can leave now.”
The six servants bowed again and slowly exited, leaving the room suddenly quiet.
Summer couldn’t help but ask, “Is the Graham family always so… traditional?” She caught herself before fully saying ‘feudal.’ “Is this the usual custom here?”
Not only was the mansion built in a classical and stern style, but the entire atmosphere was meticulous and strictly ordered. Summer had noticed this since moving in yesterday. The servants here were rigidly disciplined, often begging for mercy and admitting faults at the slightest provocation.
Fraser reached out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “The Graham Mansion has upheld traditions for over a hundred years. Generations of our family have lived here. After we’re married, you can live wherever you want. If we stay here, we can change things to suit your preferences.”
“Why?”
Fraser’s eyes were deep as he looked straight into Summer’s clear black eyes, saying earnestly, “Because you’ll be my wife. I will grant you all the rights I possess.”
Summer looked into his unfathomable eyes, feeling a complex mix of emotions. If Fraser knew she was using him to get back at Helen, he would be so disappointed… She thought, lowering her eyelids.
A little later, Summer washed up simply. Thinking about the press interview she had today, she chose a Chanel white tweed dress suit from the array of glamorous clothing presented earlier—simple yet elegantly proper. Then, Fraser took her hand and they walked downstairs.
Five or six well-trained servants stood quietly to the side, ready to provide attentive service. At that moment, Helen sat at the head of the table, dressed in a dark purple elegant dress. The delicate silk material shimmered under the light, and she wore a string of smooth pearls around her neck. Her silver hair was meticulously styled up. Her normally cloudy eyes sharpened alarmingly when they landed on Summer, sending a chill down her spine.