The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 249

“I really don’t want to…”

Steven’s voice was soft. “Then what do you want? I’ll have the hotel bring it up.”

Lucie shook her head, her movements almost robotic. “I don’t want anything.”

“That’s not going to work. You have to eat something.”

She was on the edge, barely holding it together, but she didn’t dare argue. “Steven, please, can you not force me? I really don’t want to eat.”

“I’m not forcing you. I just don’t want you to starve. Come on, be good, alright? Don’t make me upset. I don’t want to lose my temper with you, you know?” His tone was all gentle coaxing, patient but firm.

Honestly, he couldn’t bring himself to hurt her. The last thing he wanted was for things between them to fall apart and turn into hate.

“I’m really not hungry…”

Steven didn’t argue anymore. He just scooped her up from the bed and carried her to the dining table, setting her gently on a chair. He placed the plate of steak and salad in front of her. “Come on, open your mouth.”

Lucie felt her chest tighten, tears stinging her eyes. She picked up the fork, but her throat was too tight to swallow anything.

“…I’m cold,” she whispered.

Without missing a beat, Steven grabbed a robe and draped it over her shoulders.

As he leaned in to help her, Lucie gripped the fork tighter, her heart pounding. He was so close, not even a hint of caution in him. Should she do it? Could she actually hurt him andd end this? But if she missed, she might never get another chance.

Steven noticed the way her hands clenched, the look in her eyes. He was instantly on alert. This stubborn girl still wasn’t ready to give in.

Sure enough, in the next second, Lucie lunged, driving the fork toward his neck.

Steven caught her wrist in a flash, twisting it until the fork dropped to the floor with a clatter.

“Ah—” Lucie collapsed onto the floor, all strength gone.

She’d thought her move was fast and decisive, but to him, it was like watching a slow-motion replay. He had seen it coming before she even moved.

It wasn’t that she was weak. He was just too strong.

“Really? Still trying to hurt me?” Steven crouched down, his voice cold and laced with disappointment. “Isn’t it enough already?”

Ungrateful little thing. After everything he’d done for her, she still wanted to fight him.

“…No, I wasn’t, just—don’t come near me…”

“Then why do you look so scared?”

Lucie stared at him, eyes shining with fear and hopelessness.

Steven let out a slow breath and picked her up, hugging her close. “Lucie, don’t look at me like that, like I’m some kind of villain.”

“Can’t you see me as your husband again? Just like before?”

She curled up, silent, refusing to answer.

Steven’s brow tightened. He didn’t buy it for a second. Probably just another trick to get Lucie away from him.

“Got it,” he said, then shut the door firmly.

“Mr. Heath! Mr. Heath…” Ruby was left outside, helpless and flustered. She was too scared to knock again.

“What should I do now? Who can I ask for help?”

…

Steven returned to the room, watching Lucie as she ate. They’d been apart more than a month. Now that he finally had her back, he wasn’t going to let anyone interfere. He’d even turned off his phone to make sure they wouldn’t be interrupted.

“Are you full?”

“No…”

“Take your time. Do you want anything else?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“Alright then.”

Lucie hesitated. “Who was that at the door just now?”

Steven’s face was calm. “No one important. Just room service.”