The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 215

A sharp pang twisted in Elio’s chest. “Lucie, you really don’t mind? Not even a little?”

Lucie just looked at him, puzzled. “Why would I mind?”

He felt like he’d just swallowed a couple of lemons. So she really didn’t care about him at all.

“Lucie, I… since I came back this time, I’ve… I’ve…” He wanted so badly to tell her he’d cut off all his flings, that he was done playing around, that he wanted to give things between them a real shot. But when it came time to actually say it, the words just stuck in his throat.

“What is it?” she asked.

Elio gave a sheepish little laugh. “Heh… I’ve turned over a new leaf. I’m a whole new man now.”

Lucie’s expression barely changed. “Okay. You should get some sleep.” And with that, she turned and walked back to her room.

He watched her walk away, the ache in his chest only getting worse. If only he’d cherished what they had four years ago. Things could have been so different.

But four years ago, he was only twenty-three, nowhere near ready for anything serious. He just wanted to have fun, and the world was so full of temptations he couldn’t resist. Even now, he wasn’t sure if he could really change—but for her, he wanted to try.

Lucie, he thought, I want to see if I can be better. I want to be with you, for real, this time.

***

The next morning, the first thing Steven did when he woke up was check his phone. Sure enough, there was a message from her:

[Are you up? I miss you, I miss you, I missed you all night.]

Today, Steven was in such a good mood that he was almost unrecognizable. He was patient and all smiles, nodding along as the execs gave their reports. After the meeting ended, the shareholders couldn’t stop whispering among themselves.

“What’s up with Mr. Heath today? He’s been smiling nonstop.”

“Seriously, he seems super happy. Is he about to make some huge deal?”

“I haven’t heard anything about a big investment lately.”

As soon as Steven stepped out of the conference room, he pulled out his phone again. Lucie had sent him a few more sleepy morning selfies, looking adorably tousled.

[I missed you all night. Show me a little more—can you send a few more cute pics?]