The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 144

She popped a few more heart meds and a tranquilizer, then flopped onto her bed and buried herself under the covers. Whenever her emotions got too much, she’d just lock herself away, shut out the world, and let her mind go blank. It was her way of cocooning herself, hoping that after some time in the dark, she’d come out stronger—like being reborn.

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At the hospital, Steven was still completely out of it. The doctors had patched up his wounds again, but his fever was sky-high—104 degrees and climbing. They could only keep trying to cool him down. Shannon hovered outside the room, quietly wiping away tears.

Miranda and Marian rushed in not long after getting the call, both looking frantic.

“Doctor, how’s my son?” Miranda blurted out, barely waiting for an answer.

“Mrs. Heath, his wound got infected, which is why the fever won’t break. We’ve already done everything we can for now. All we can do is wait for the inflammation to subside,” the doctor said.

Miranda’s worry only deepened. “How did it get this bad? Doctor, please, use the best treatment you have. My son has to be okay. He has to get better.”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Heath, we’re doing everything possible. As long as the infection doesn’t get worse and the fever comes down, he should recover,” the doctor reassured her.

“Alright, thank you,” Miranda said, her voice trembling.

“It’s our job. If you need anything, just let us know,” the doctor replied before heading off to prepare more medicine.

Miranda pressed her hands together, praying quietly for Steven to pull through, muttering under her breath, “How couls this happen? Did the Heath family anger some evil spirit or something?”

Marian, never one to miss a chance, jumped in right away. “See, Madam? Didn’t I say it?”

Miranda frowned, confused. “Say what?”

Marian leaned in, lowering her voice like she was sharing a secret. “I’ve said it all along. Lucie is bad luck, a real jinx. She lost her parents and her grandmother early on. Anyone close to her ends up in trouble. That’s not normal, is it?”

Miranda’s face darkened. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense.

Marian kept going. “I tried to stop Mr. Heath from marrying her, remember? Ever since they got married, nothing’s gone right. He’s always getting hurt, and you haven’t been feeling well either.”

“You’re right. Maybe Lucie really does bring bad luck. Steven probably got caught up in it too,” Miranda muttered.

“Exactly! There’s no other explanation,” Marian agreed, fanning the flames.

Miranda sighed, pacing in front of the hospital room, her brow furrowed with worry. Marian trailed after her, never missing a beat.

“You’re such a thoughtful girl. I feel better knowing you’re here.”

“Mrs. Heath, you should rest. I’ll stay with Steven. If he wakes up, I’ll let you know right away.”

“Alright,” Miranda said, finally giving in to her exhaustion. After a few more hours outside Steven’s room, she went to the VIP lounge to rest.

Shannon slipped quietly into Steven’s room and sat at his bedside. He was still completely out of it, lying there, pale and motionless.

She grabbed an alcohol wipe and a cold pack, gently pressing the cool towel to his forehead and wiping the sweat from his neck and underarms. Then she switched to a clean towel and slowly wiped down his chest and abs, her movements careful and tender.

“I’ll take care of you, Steven,” she whispered, her eyes never leaving his face.

She couldn’t help but stare at him, her heart aching. Leaning closer, she pressed a soft, secret kiss to his cheek. He didn’t move at all.

“Steven, do you know how much I love you?” she whispered, brushing her lips across his again. His lips were cool and perfectly shaped; she couldn’t resist.

“This time, I’m not letting go. I’m going to be yours, no matter what…”