The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 317

“Lucie, the doctor said you’re really weak. You need to rest, okay?”

Lucie’s voice was raspy. She tried to pull her hand away, but Steven just held on tighter.

“Steven, let go of me…”

He swallowed hard. Looking at her pale but stubborn face, the little bit of hope he’d felt disappeared in an instant. He knew if he pushed too hard, she’d only fight him more.

“Just lie down, Lucie.” His voice was rough, thick with emotion. “Don’t send me away yet. I have something important to tell you.”

Lucie frowned, her tone icy. “What is it?”

Steven turned to face her, his eyes red and watery, tears clinging to his lashes. Seeing him so broken made Lucie’s heart sink.

“Is it Jose?” she asked quietly. “Did he… not make it?”

Steven shook his head. “No. It’s Cody. He’s really not doing well.” His voice shook, barely holding back a sob.

Lucie tried to sit up too fast and winced as the IV tugged at her hand, a bead of blood appearing where the needle shifted.

“What happened to Cody? What did the doctors say?”

“It’s leukemia. A rare kind. Chemo barely works on him.” Steven dropped his gaze, his voice trembling. “The doctors said the only hope is a bone marrow or umbilical cord blood transplant.”

Lucie felt like she was falling, sinking deeper with every word.

She couldn’t just watch a child suffer, even if that child was a stranger. If there was any chance, she’d donate her bone marrow in a heartbeat.

“Say no more. Have them test me. If I’m a match, I’ll donate.”

Steven’s eyes flickered. He knew she was always soft-hearted, always willing to help. If he played his cards right, appealed to her emotions, maybe she’d agree to have the baby.

“You can’t be tested right now, Lucie.”

She stared at him, confused. “Why not?”

Steven’s face was bleak. “The doctor just checked you. You’re pregnant.”

Lucie forced herself to sit up, voice shaking. “Steven, stop. I can get an abortion and then do the bone marrow test.”

“If I’m a match, I’ll save him…”

“No!” Steven’s shout was sharp, the tears finally spilling over. “Lucie, you have to calm down! The doctor said you’re too weak. An abortion now could kill you. And even if you risk it, your marrow might not even match Cody’s!”

He took a shaky breath. “Plus, your uterine lining is too thin. If you terminate this pregnancy, you might never get pregnant again.”

“That’s why the cord blood from this baby is our best shot. The doctor said it’s Cody’s only chance. What am I supposed to do? Just watch my son die?”

His words hit her like a slap. She pushed him away, her tears falling fast. “Then what am I supposed to do? Have a baby I don’t want, just to save Cody? And then what? How am I supposed to face that child?”

Steven seized on her words, desperate. “I’ll take the baby away. You’ll never have to see him. Just save Cody, Lucie. I’ll do anything you want. Once the baby is born, you can leave. I won’t stop you. I won’t chase after you.”

He clung to the hem of her hospital gown, his forehead pressed to the sheets, voice raw with pleading. “I know I’m a terrible person. I know I hurt you. But Cody’s innocent. He’s your son, Lucie. For his sake, please. Give me one more chance. Give this baby a chance. I’m begging you…”

Lucie’s chest tightened, the pain almost suffocating. Her hand went to her stomach, feeling the tiny life growing inside her, and she didn’t know what to do.