The One He Left Became The One He Couldn’t Have Chapter 07
Everyone followed Adrian toward the entrance.
But as soon as they cleared the garden, Summer called softly after him.
“Adrian.”
Summer wore a beautiful satin gown. Her hair was done in an intricate braid, makeup still light.
The engagement was at six.
A few hours left.
Summer’s heart churned, but her face showed nothing.
“What are you doing here?”
Adrian stopped.
His gaze settled on Summer’s face.
Summer was beautiful.
The kind of beauty that made men want to protect her.
Different from Gianna’s fire.
Because she came from modest means, Summer’s nature leaned timid.
She always spoke in a soft, gentle voice.
When he met Summer.
Gianna had been giving him nonstop migraines.
Summer’s quiet gentleness hooked him easily.
And unlike the women who’d thrown themselves at him before.
He and Summer met through a street rescue. A hero moment.
Men always have that hero complex.
So his feelings for Summer were different from the flings before.
“I heard Gianna’s back…”
Summer didn’t even finish her sentence before her eyes reddened.
“I’m a little worried.”
She bit her lip and lowered her head.
“Adrian, do you think we might… not be able to finish the engagement today?”
“Don’t be silly.”
Adrian set a hand on Summer’s shoulder and squeezed lightly.
“Don’t worry. I’ll handle it now.”
Summer reached for his arm, fingers tightening around his cuff.
“Adrian, I’m scared.”
“I’m scared you’ll go with her…”
Tears spilled down Summer’s face.
She stood there, delicate and small, looking like she might shatter.
“How could that happen, Summer? My cousin doesn’t even like Gianna.”
Dakota’s smile glittered with malice.
“She’s wild and obnoxious. Cries and throws tantrums over nothing. My cousin’s sick to death of her. Why would he ever go with her?”
Dakota genuinely hated Gianna.
After Gianna was adopted by the Valentinos.
Her aunt and uncle, who used to dote on her, started putting Gianna first.
They always said it was just because Gianna was an orphan they’d taken in, and the Valentinos had to be extra good to her for appearance’s sake.
But Dakota still loathed Gianna.
So over the years, her favorite pastime became watching Gianna humiliate herself.
Now Gianna had been banished to Boston. Hardly anyone from the Valentino family even saw her off.
In fact, weeks ago, all her belongings had been packed up and shipped to Boston ahead of her.
Like they were afraid she’d cling to the doorframe and refuse to leave.
Dakota was riding high.
She’d support anyone as her cousin’s wife. As long as it wasn’t Gianna.