The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 151

Steven paused for a moment, looking a little conflicted. “Bria, the boy’s at the old house,” he said quietly.

He hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “He’s still really young. It might take him a while to accept you. I just want you to be prepared if you meet him.”

“And honestly, he’s quite the handful. I’m worried he might be too much for you to handle right now…”

Bria cut him off, her eyes lighting up with determination. “Steven, of course not! I just want to see him. If he needs time, I’ll give it to him. I’d never force anything. I’ll take it slow, let him get used to me, bit by bit. I just want the chance to be his mom.”

Steven let out a slow breath and nodded. “Alright. Get some rest for now. I’ll bring him to see you tomorrow.”

Bria nodded, her voice soft but sure. “Okay.”

Steven smiled, gentler now. “Go ahead and get changed, take a shower. Later I’ll take you out for dinner.”

“Alright,” Bria agreed.

“I’ll have a few good maids come by to help out and take care of things for you. You can stay here for now, at least until you’re settled.”

Bria smiled. “I’ll do whatever you say.”

A maid soon wheeled Bria into the bathroom. Everything was exactly as she remembered it. The same bottles of shampoo and body wash she’d left behind, and even her old toothbrush and toothpaste, were all untouched and right where she’d left them.

Steven hadn’t thrown away a single thing. Most of it was expired by now, but that didn’t matter. The fact that it was all still here made her heart ache in the best way.

“Nothing’s changed,” she whispered. “It’s all just like I left it.”

Except for me, she thought as she rolled her chair up to the mirror. I’ve changed. I’m older now.

She studied her reflection. Her features were still striking; she used to be the most beautiful woman in New Amberton. But at thirty-six, time had left its mark. The scar on her face and her missing fingers were constant reminders of what she’d lost. She felt that old wave of insecurity creeping in.

She couldn’t help but compare herself to Lucie.

Would Steven really not mind the way she looked now?

But then she remembered everything they’d been through. Their love wasn’t something anyone else could understand, much less replace. They’d met in the hardest days of their lives, survived together, pulled each other out of the darkness. What they had was more than just love—it was family.

And honestly, what did looks matter anyway? New Amberton was full of stunning women. Back in the day, she’d managed hundreds of top models and socialites. She could have pointed to any one of them, and they’d be a knockout. Steven had never been interested in any of them, so why would he care now?

And if she was being totally honest, she’d never been the jealous type. If a man needed a little fun on the side, it was just physical. She didn’t care, as long as he came home to her and didn’t fall in love with someone else.

***

He was still Steven, and she was still Bria. But the spark just wasn’t there.

Bria hesitated, searching his face. “Steven, what’s wrong?”

He forced a smile, the words sticking in his throat. “It’s nothing. I’m just… worried about you. I don’t want to push you too soon.”

“I’m fine,” Bria said softly, leaning in to kiss him like she used to, her passion undimmed.

Steven hesitated, but then kissed her back, pulling her into his arms and onto the bed. He tried to summon the old fire, to prove to both of them that nothing had changed, that he still loved her.

But as they kissed, his body just wouldn’t respond. The more he wanted it, the worse it got.

“Steven, what’s going on?” Bria whispered, moving closer.

“I…” Steven’s chest ached as his mind filled with thoughts of Lucie—her shyness, her softness, the way she always left him wanting more. Suddenly, he realized that was what he craved now.

“What’s wrong? Do I disgust you?” Bria’s hopeful gaze faded, disappointment settling in her eyes.

Steven scrambled to reassure her. “No, never. I just… I’m not myself today. You just got back, and there’s still so much going on. I want to make sure everything’s perfect for you here, that you’re comfortable.”