Summer stared right into Anthony's eyes, and saw all the unnamed accusations in them. He stood behind the counter, with one customer in front of him. A few tables were also occupied. Summer walked over to the counter and stood near its end. After a good minute of ignoring her, Anthony gave up and walked over to her.

"Hi," Summer started. "I guess you have many questions."

"No, actually it's all clear to me." Anthony didn't even look at her as he spoke.

"What do you mean-"

"I mean, I just didn't expect it from you. That's all."

"Expect what, Anthony?"

Anthony exhaled from his mouth and pretended to be busy, looking at the tables to see if anyone needed anything. Summer wasn't buying it. Her eyes remained glued to his face as she waited for his answer. But she had no idea what was coming.

"Being attracted to wealth."

That did it. That made it crystal clear to Summer, exactly what the accusations had been. To say that Anthony's words shattered her soul, would be an understatement. And the interesting part was that, in a way, he was right. She was with Alex for his money! But it was so so SO different from what he thought. It wasn't like she wanted nice things and a luxurious lifestyle. She was only doing it because she had no other choice.

"I can't believe you just said that, Anthony." Summer's voice had no emotion in them. She still hadn't fully recovered from the blow of his words.

"I only said it. You did it." His eyes bore into hers, but they were rigid, even vicious. He wasn't going to change his thoughts, she could understand that well. But what scared her was how he had turned unempathetic. He didn't seem to care for her at all! Even after he was fully aware of her family's situation.

"I hope someday you realize what you just said to me." Summer turned around and walked out of the cafe. She decided to sign the contract and get it done with. If her best friend was going to think she was a gold digger anyways, what was the point in waiting to see how everyone reacts to her being with Alex?! Her parents seemed to be chill enough. That was enough for her, for now.

***

Right after getting out of the cafe, Summer texted Alex: Let's sign the damn contract, and get it over with. I'm ready!

He came to pick her up right away. The drive to Alex's old house where he was staying currently was silent. He asked her how she was, but she didn't say anything. When they reached his place, the contract was ready. He had asked his lawyers in New York to prepare the contract last night itself. And everything he ever asked of his subordinates, was done on priority, always.

Alex and Summer sat across from each other at the dining table, with both holding onto a copy of the contract. Alex read the clauses one by one. Summer was satisfied with the contract, once Alex was done. There were enough benefits for her and her family, inclusive of her special condition and also extra protection in case Vance caused more problem. She felt safe doing this, especially after knowing how pleased Grandpa Lewis must get upon finding that it was her Alex had settled down with. She knew the old man had always been fond of her, and she had felt the same way about him too.

"So, are you ready to sign?" Alex gently asked. He was concerned about her ever since she had texted. He had been very pleased to know she had made the decision to sign the contract. But he couldn't help but notice something had been bothering her.

"Um, yeah." Summer said in the same tone she'd used earlier with Anthony, devoid of any emotion.

"Summer, what's wrong? If you wanna wait more, I'm fine with it. You don't have to rush, okay? How about we go on a couple more dates-"

As Alex kept talking non-stop, Summer did the unthinkable. She picked up the pen from the table and signed her contract.

"Oh.......kay, uh... I guess you really wanna do it. Huh?" Alex murmured, totally amazed by her action.

"Yes, Alex. I don't see the point in waiting anymore. Everyone is fine with us." She pointed to herself and then him, to indicate she meant their relationship. "And the few that aren't.... well I guess I was foolish in the first place to think they would understand. I don't have a choice. This is what I need to do. So let's just do it."

Alex understood almost immediately she meant Anthony when she talked of 'the few' that didn't approve of their relationship. Some part of him was actually happy to get an angry reaction out of Anthony. But he curbed that part. After seeing Summer was upset by Anthony's disapproval.

"I get it. Let's do it." Alex signed his contract and then they exchanged their contracts and signed the other one too. So that now they each had a signed copy of it.

Alex got up from his chair and walked over to Summer. He got down on one knee beside her and took her hand in his.

"Summer, now you are legally mine."