The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 343

Steven’s voice was so soft, as if he was scared even his words might disturb the tiny life growing inside her. His warm breath brushed over her stomach, sending a little shiver across her skin. Lucie sat there, stiff as a board, eyes glued to the traffic outside the window—though she wasn’t really seeing any of it.

“Maybe this is just how things were meant to be,” she thought.

Steven stayed close for a long moment, reluctant to move, his eyes still gentle. “The little one’s being good, not giving you a hard time.”

Lucie turned her face away, her voice low and flat. “Are you done?”

“Yeah.” But Steven didn’t let go. Instead, his arm tightened around her shoulders, pulling her in just a bit closer. “I’ve already got my assistant talking to the top hematology experts for Cody’s treatment. We’ll have a full plan by tomorrow. Don’t stress yourself out. I’m here.”

He said it like nothing had ever happened between them, like they’d never been apart. So certain, so steady.

Lucie tried to break free, but he just held her tighter. “We might not see each other for a long time after this. Let me hug you one last time, just so I have something to remember.”

She just went quiet, feeling her heart twist up inside her chest. She didn’t want to say anything more.

Steven held her like he wanted time to stop right here. But time doesn’t stop for anyone. As much as he hated to let Lucie go, he had other debts—deeper ones—he had to pay. Whatever he owed Lucie, he owed Bria so much more.

The car finally pulled up to the entrance of New Amberton Hospital.

“Stop the car,” Lucie said, her voice icy.

The car jerked to a halt. “Steven, get out.”

Steven didn’t move. He just held her tighter, voice heavy and rough. “Lucie, I’m about to be someone else’s husband.”

He looked at her, trying to soften the blow. “Take care of yourself, okay? If you ever need anything, call me. If I can help, I will.”

Lucie’s heart clenched. Four years of marriage, and it all felt like some twisted joke. But now, there was nothing left to say.

“Get out. Goodbye.”

Steven winced like she’d slapped him. “Is there anything you want to say to me?”

Her heart felt cold, empty. “There’s nothing left to say.”

He looked at her, desperate. “Really? Nothing at all?”

Lucie went silent, mind blank. What was the point? He still loved his ex. He was running back to her. And they even had a kid—so they were the real family now. All she wanted was to end this chapter and erase Steven from her life completely.

“Not even one word?”

After a pause, Lucie looked up at him. “Actually, yeah. I do have something to say.”

Steven’s eyes lit up with hope. “What is it?”

“Fine. Just you wait,” he muttered under his breath.

A nanny hurried over. “Mr. Heath, should we bring Cody back to his hospital room?”

“Yeah. And keep a close eye on him this time. No more wandering off.”

“Yes, sir.” The nanny took Cody and disappeared inside.

Steven took a long, shaky breath. This situation couldn’t last much longer—he’d be found out sooner or later.

“I’ll send Cody overseas for now,” he decided. “Once Lucie’s had the baby, I can bring him back.”

Andy showed up, nervous. “Mr. Heath, where to next?”

“The Rose Garden.”

“Right away.”

Andy gave the order and the car headed out. He’d soothed things over with Lucie. Now it was time to face Bria. She’d stood by him for years, helped him build everything, even gotten hurt—badly—for his sake. He owed her too much to ever walk away.

Half an hour later, Steven finally arrived at the Rose Garden.