The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 167

Lucie’s mind went blank. Shock and anger flashed in her eyes as she glared at him. “What did you just say?”

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was he seriously making this kind of demand—now, of all times?

Steven’s breath hitched. He lowered his head, trying to kiss her. “Lucie, after tonight, we’re strangers.”

“Just one last time,” he whispered. “Let me love you one more time.”

Lucie jerked away from his lips, her fury rising. “Steven, you’re unbelievable. You’re disgusting—”

“Say whatever you want,” he cut her off, his tone flat. “I just want you one last time. I want you to remember today. I want you to remember me.”

Without waiting for a response, he slipped his arms around her waist and lifted her clear off the ground.

His kiss was desperate and wild, like a starving animal that had finally found its prey.

“Let go—somebody help!” Lucie panicked, trying to call for her bodyguards.

Steven moved fast, clamping a hand over her mouth before she could get another word out.

He shoved her down onto the sofa, the divorce papers getting crushed and wrinkled in the struggle.

“You want these?” Steven dangled the crumpled papers just out of her reach.

Lucie froze, then lunged for them. “Give them to me.”

He just smirked and raised his arm higher, taunting her. “If you want the divorce, you need to listen to me.”

“Call me your husband, just one last time. Tell me you love me. Just once more.”

His eyes were intense, a little wild—like he was on the edge of losing control.

“Steven, you’re insane. Let me go!” Lucie fought with everything she had, but it was no use.

He was too strong, too tall—her struggles barely even registered. She felt small and helpless, like a kitten trying to fight off a lion.

Two hours later, Lucie was barely conscious. She felt like her soul had been ripped from her body. Nothing felt real anymore.

He’d shown her a side of himself she’d never seen before.

Back when they were married, Steven had always been gentle and refined. He’d never acted this way, never crossed that line.

But ever since the divorce talks started, something in him had changed. Each time, he got scarier, more unhinged. It was overwhelming, impossible to fight, and made her realize just how close the devil really was.

***

Day turned to night, and night slipped into dawn.

By the time it was all over, Lucie was completely spent, numb to everything.

When it was finally done, Steven pressed a kiss to her forehead. His eyes were bloodshot as he pulled the blanket up around her.

Then he got up, dressed, and left the divorce agreement—with a second set of property transfer documents—neatly on her desk.