The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 209

He couldn’t help himself—he had to text her back right away.

[What’s going on?]

A second later, she sent him a new contact card.

[Add me with this account.]

Steven hesitated for a split second, almost sending a question mark, but then it hit him. She probably wanted to keep things just between the two of them, so she was using a secret account. That thought made him smile. He added her immediately.

The moment she accepted, his phone lit up with a flurry of cute emojis—a blowing kiss, a shy face, and big, sparkly star eyes.

Just like that, all the heaviness in his chest disappeared.

She was still thinking about him. She couldn’t really let him go. Honestly, just being able to keep in touch like this made him ridiculously happy.

[Were you missing me?] he asked.

[Mhm.]

[I’ll be in Westbrook the day after tomorrow. If you’re free, I’d love to see you.]

[Definitely!]

[How’s everything? Are you settling into Westbrook okay?]

[It’s good.]

[Glad to hear it. Take care of yourself, okay? If you run into any trouble, promise you’ll let me know.]

[Hehe, I will!]

They kept texting, messages bouncing back and forth, neither of them wanting to stop. He replied to every single message right away, his heart racing even more than it did when they first started dating. If he could have, he would have gotten on a plane to Westbrook that second, just to wrap her up in his arms.

He missed her all the time, especially at night. There were so many nights he couldn’t fall asleep because all he could think about was her.

---

Meanwhile, in Westbrook—

“Elio’s in the billiards room,” June said. “Let’s go.”

“Okay.”

When they got there, Elio was already at the pool table, focused on lining up his shot with the cue.

June grinned. “Wow, Elio, your skills are getting worse every time I see you.”

Elio tossed the cue onto the table and walked over to Lucie. “Lucie, are you hungry? Want to grab something to eat?”

“Yeah, that sounds great.”

June playfully punched Elio’s arm. “Hey, why didn’t you ask if I was hungry?”

Elio rolled his eyes. “Do I even have to ask? When you’re hungry, the whole room knows.”

“Excuse me? Who are you calling loud?” June shot back, giving him a few more light punches.

“Seriously, keep your hands to yourself,” Elio laughed, dodging her playful attack.