The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 171

Steven frowned a little, sounding extra serious. “Just letting you know, the wedding’s set for next month. But to keep things low-key, we’re skipping the big ceremony. We’ll just get our marriage license quietly, then maybe head overseas for the honeymoon.”

Miranda stared at him, speechless for a moment. “Steven, at least tell me who you’re marrying. I don’t even know who she is. Are you really rushing into this without even telling your own mother? Whose daughter is she? Do I know her?”

Steven replied, “I’ll bring her home for you to meet in a couple days.”

Miranda’s eyes went round. “So who is it, then?”

“Mom, don’t ask right now. You’ll understand when you meet her.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ve got to go.”

Without another word, he walked straight out.

Miranda was left standing there, flustered and annoyed. “Steven! You can’t just drop this news and leave. Tell me who you’re marrying!”

But Steven was already out the door, not even looking back.

Fuming, Miranda turned to Marian. “Did you see that? He doesn’t respect me at all. He just does whatever he wants, whenever he wants. I can’t even ask a single question!”

Marian tried not to smile, giving her a gentle pat. “Madam, he knows what he’s doing. Don’t worry yourself.”

Miranda sighed. “I suppose there’s nothing I can do about it. Let him make his own messes.”

She muttered a few more complaints, but finally gave up, grabbed her purse, and headed out for her therapy appointment. Honestly, Miranda had never achieved much herself, but her luck had always been good. She married well, her husband made sure she lived in luxury without a care in the world, and now her son was successful, so she was still living the high life. With money and free time, she spent her days getting pampered by young, hot therapists who helped her “take care” of her body. The new one she was seeing was even younger than her son and had magic hands. She found herself booking appointments with him every other day.

—

Later, Steven stepped out, ready to leave. As he got to the garage, he spotted a petite figure darting past his car and hiding behind the garage door.

He frowned. “Who’s there? Come out.”

“…It’s me, Steven!” Shannon crept out from behind the door, looking nervous as anything.

Steven’s frown deepened. “Shannon, what are you doing sneaking around?”

She sniffled, her nose twitching, eyes shiny with tears. “I—I just wanted to apologize for the other day. I wasn’t thinking straight…”

She meant the day she tried to throw herself at him, and he’d slapped her. She’d been too embarrassed to show her face since.

Steven’s headache returned. He looked away, not sure what to say.

Shannon looked up at him, voice trembling. “Steven, I’m really sorry. Can you please stop being mad at me? I promise I’ll never do it again. I just… I just like you too much…”

He cut her off, sounding tired. “Enough. Let’s not talk about it anymore.”

“What do you want to have?” she asked as they sat down.

Elio rested his chin on his hand, gazing at her with obvious affection. “I’ll have whatever you’re having.”

Lucie looked over the menu. “Should we just order their signature dishes?”

“Works for me.”

She picked out a few specialties and handed him the menu.

Elio just grinned. “That’s more than enough. I’ll eat whatever you pick.”

“I just hope you like it,” Lucie said, a little concerned.

Elio laughed. “As long as I’m dining with you, even street food would taste amazing.”

“Stop it,” Lucie said, rolling her eyes.

“I’m not joking. I’m being serious. Now that you and Steven are officially divorced, does that mean I can chase after you for real this time?”

Lucie felt a headache coming on. “Elio, not this again. We’re just not right for each other.”