The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 169

She used to love him so much.

But it’s a shame—such a bittersweet ending doesn’t deserve a beginning that thrilling.

***

A week passed.

Lucie was finally starting to feel a little more like herself again. Mr. Anderson had made it out of the ICU and was now in a private VIP room. The stroke had left him alive, but the left side of his body wouldn’t move.

“Grandpa, open your mouth—just one more bite.” Lucie’s voice was soft as she carefully fed him soup, her movements gentle and patient.

“Lucie… I don’t want any more…” he mumbled, his words slurred.

“Come on, Grandpa, just a little bit more for me?”

He sighed, but gave in. “Alright…”

There was a quick knock at the door before Rose stepped in. “Miss, there’s a Mr. Pitts waiting outside. He says he’s your friend.”

“Mr. Pitts?” Lucie frowned, quickly setting the bowl aside.

She stepped out into the hallway and spotted Elio from a distance, a huge bouquet in one arm and several pricey gift bags dangling from his other hand. He looked completely out of place in the hospital corridor.

“Elio, what are you doing here?” Lucie asked, her tone a mix of surprise and exasperation.

He gave her his trademark lazy grin. “Just came to check in on grandpa.”

Lucie’s frown only deepened.

Elio kept on, cheerful as ever. “How’s he doing? Any better?”

“He’s... stable,” she replied, not quite meeting his eyes.

“Hey, old pal. What brings you here?” Mr. Anderson rasped.

Elio froze for a second, then scratched awkwardly at the side of his head.

Mr. Anderson’s voice was shaky but warm. “Once I’m better, let’s go fishing again. Your hair’s gotten even grayer since last time. We’re both getting old, gotta take care of ourselves.”

Elio self-consciously brushed his fingers through his hair. He’d thought his dark blond dye looked cool and rebellious.

Lucie quickly stepped in, trying to clear things up. “Grandpa, that’s not Grandpa Logan. He’s just my friend—he came to visit because he heard you were sick.”

Mr. Anderson’s eyes darted to Elio’s hair again. He could barely make out Elio’s features, but the hair stood out. “Lucie, why’d you make friends with someone so old? His hair’s grayer than mine!”

Lucie couldn’t help but laugh, though she felt a little helpless, too.

Elio just stood there, wishing he could melt into the floor. He suddenly realized he might’ve been way too bold just now.