The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 183

Steven paused for a second, but he couldn’t stop himself from moving closer to her. “Lucie, why are you so determined to keep me away?”

“I’m not going to bite you. I’m not going to hurt you. What are you so afraid of?”

“Don’t come any closer.” Lucie ducked under his arm and darted to the other side of the elevator, pressing herself into the corner.

A sharp ache twisted in Steven’s chest. He turned and stepped toward her again. He needed to know.

Was something really wrong with him? Or was it only with Bria?

As soon as he got close, he caught the subtle fragrance coming off her. It wasn’t perfume, just the clean scent of her shampoo and body wash mixed with something uniquely her.

His heart gave a little jolt. “Lucie, even though we’re divorced, I still hope we can be friends. If you ever need anything, you can always come to me. I promise I’ll help however I can.”

Lucie scoffed, her laugh cold and bitter.

Friends? Was he kidding? She wanted nothing to do with him. Every time she saw him, it ripped open wounds she’d barely managed to stitch together. Not seeing him at all was better than the pain of remembering.

Steven heard her laugh and tried again, his voice quieter, almost pleading. “I’m serious.”

“Just shut up.”

She would never forgive him. Not in this lifetime.

First, he’d lied about his past. Before they got married, she’d asked him so many times if he had any other relationships, and every time he swore he didn’t.

Then, he tricked her into raising someone else’s child. She could never get past that.

And the worst, he tampered with her car, trying to kill her.

How could she ever let someone so cruel get anywhere near her again?

Steven’s voice was heavy. “I know you hate me. I don’t blame you.

“But I really did love you.”

“Steven, you’re unbelievable.”

“Say whatever you want.” He didn’t bother explaining anymore. He just needed to know if he still felt anything—if being close to her still set him off.

The moment they were near, heat flared low in his groin, his whole body tensing.

Lucie’s nerves shot through her. She pressed herself flat against the wall. “Don’t come near me.”

“I’m not here to hurt you, Lucie. I just need to… test something.”

“What are you even talking about?” she snapped, glaring at him.

Steven didn’t answer. He just moved closer, drawn in by her presence. His breath was ragged. “Lucie, can’t we at least be friends?”

“Are you out of your mind?” Lucie’s anger boiled over. She swung her hand hard, aiming for his face.

But Steven was ready and caught her wrist.

“You bastard, rot in hell!” Lucie shouted over her shoulder, still fuming. She spun around, swung her fist, and landed a solid punch right to his nose.

Blood spurted. Three hits in a row—not fatal, but enough to make him dizzy with pain.

Steven hopped on one foot, one hand clutching his bleeding nose, the other protecting what hurt the most. His head was spinning, anger bubbling up.

He’d never been able to bring himself to hurt her—never. But every time, she fought back like she wanted him gone for good.

He knew the difference in their strength. Ten punches from her barely hurt, but one from him could seriously injure her. That’s why he never fought back.

After the last punch, Lucie didn’t hesitate. She ran straight for her car.

She sprinted across the lot, yanked the door open, and slid inside.

“Drive! Go now!”

“Ms. Anderson, what happened? Why are you in such a rush?”

“Just go! Don’t ask questions.”

The driver threw the car into gear and sped out of the parking garage without another word.

Back in the elevator, Steven gritted his teeth. “Damn it. You just wait.”

Outside, hearing the commotion, a group of bodyguards came rushing over.