The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 180

Bria was Marian’s younger half-sister. Back when they were younger, it was always Marian looking out for Bria, supporting her through everything. But things changed. Bria started doing well for herself, really well, and before long she was the one helping Marian’s family. She bought them houses, gave them money, and honestly, the only reason the Duncan family could walk around the Heath estate like they owned the place was because of Bria.

Now, Marian knew she should be happy for her sister. But how could she be, when her own daughter had fallen for the same man? Between her sister and her daughter, of course Marian’s heart sided with her child.

“If he really marries Aunt Bria, what am I supposed to do?” Shannon complained, close to tears. “She’s old and ugly! How could she possibly deserve him?”

Marian let out a long sigh, sounding tired and a little bitter. “What’s the point in saying all that now? You already said it yourself—she’s old and ugly. Are you telling me you can’t beat her?”

Shannon hesitated for a second, but then her mom’s words started to sink in. Mom was right. She might not be able to outshine Lucie, but surely she could outdo her aunt. There was still time. She just had to make Steven fall for her, eventually.

While the two were lost in their own thoughts, a sudden wailing cry cut through the house. “I can’t take this anymore! I’m really going to die of anger! How did I end up with such a stubborn son?”

The commotion was coming from the living room. Marian, Shannon, and the housekeeper rushed over and found Miranda clutching her chest, sobbing and pounding her fists against the sofa.

“What the hell is this! What did the Heath family do to deserve this? Steven wants to bring home a daughter-in-law like that. He’s humiliating our fmaily’s name!”

She’d always been harsh and critical—even with someone as perfect as Lucie. Now, with Bria, things were only going to get worse.

“Please don’t get so upset, madam,” the housekeeper tried to comfort her. “He must have his reasons for making this choice.”

“He’s lost his mind! He’s completely out of his senses. How could he do this to me? He’s going to be the death of me…”

“Please don’t cry,” Shannon chimed in. “Maybe something will change.”

“How could it? Steven never listens to anyone. Nothing anyone says will change his mind.”

“Then maybe we should focus on finding a way to stop him,” Marian suggested.

Miranda paused her sobbing abruptly. “Well? What are you waiting for? Start thinking!”

***

“If you still love me, why don’t you want me?” she whispered, slipping her shirt off and straddling his lap, her lips trailing down his neck—his most sensitive spot.

He hesitated, but finally gave in and kissed her back, fiercely at first. When he was younger, five years her junior, their chemistry had been explosive. Their time together had been all heat and no holds barred, since they couldn’t see each other often. He’d never been that wild with Lucie—she couldn’t handle it.

“Steven, I love you. I want you, just like before.”

“Okay,” he agreed, almost automatically.

But no matter how much he tried, he just couldn’t get into it. The kisses slowed down, lost their fire, until their lips just felt numb. Twenty minutes passed, but nothing changed. He just couldn’t get aroused.

Bria finally pulled back, disappointment written all over her face. “Steven, what’s wrong? Do I disgust you now?”

Steven was sweating, completely flustered and embarrassed. “Maybe… maybe I’m just getting older, that’s all…”

Is this really happening? he wondered. Am I just… not able to anymore? That can’t be right.