The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 189

The hospital room was dark, lit only by the faint glow slipping in from the hallway.

He was like a wild, hungry wolf—ruthless, desperate.

She felt like his captive, completely at his mercy no matter how hard she tried to break free.

When it finally ended, she felt like her whole body had been stripped raw, her soul knocked loose.

Steven didn’t dare stay any longer. He got dressed quickly, his anger spent and rationality creeping back in. He was about to get married. How could he keep doing this?

If Bria ever found out he’d slept with Lucie again, it would destroy her.

Guilt hit him hard. He knew he was being a jerk, but desire had a mind of its own.

“Lucie, I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I promise, this is the last time. I won’t come near you again.”

He bent down, pressing soft, apologetic kisses to her forehead and cheeks. Her eyes were red and swollen, her tears still fresh.

“I’m so sorry…”

***

Outside the hospital, Bria pulled up, her nerves already frayed. Shannon was waiting and ran to open the car door.

“Aunt Bria, you’re finally here! What took so long?”

Bria got out, worry etched all over her face. “What happened to Steven?”

“You’ll see for yourself,” Shannon said quickly.

“My wheelchair—”

“There’s no time for that. I’ll help you.”

“Fine.”

Shannon supported her as they hurried toward the elevators.

“Shannon, just tell me—what’s going on?”

“It’s really bad… just trust me.”

Bria’s heart thudded in her chest.

The elevator dinged.

“This way, Aunt Bria.”

At the hospital room door, Shannon pointed urgently. “He’s in there. Go check on him.”

Bria moved to go in, but two bodyguards blocked her path.

“Miss, you can’t go in.”

“Andy, Tommy, is Steven in there or not?”

The guards hesitated.

“No one,” Steven lied.

Bria let out a bitter little laugh and turned toward the door. She needed to know for herself if it was Lucie inside.

She was open-minded, honestly. A guy fooling around wasn’t the end of the world. Sleeping around was just another appetite, like eating or drinking.

But if he let another woman into his heart? That was a line she couldn’t forgive. He could have his flings, but she refused to be replaced.

Steven rushed forward and caught her in his arms. “Bria, don’t. Don’t go in there.”

Her eyes filled with tears. “Is it Ms. Anderson?”

Steven’s gut twisted even more. Last time Bria got jealous, she’d already gone after Lucie. If she went in now, who knows what would happen?

“Come on, let’s go home. This is the last time,” he insisted.

“Just tell me—is it her?”

“…No,” Steven lied again. Then he scooped Bria up in his arms.

“Let me go! I want to see for myself!”

“There’s nothing in there you need to see. I swear, this is the last time.”

“Steven, put me down…”

But he didn’t listen. He just carried her away, ignoring her protests.