The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 253

“Say it!” Lucie snapped, her voice trembling with anger.

Steven pressed his fingers to his temples. “Fine. It’s all my fault. I lied to you.”

Bria felt a sharp sting in her chest. “So, you never even mentioned me to Ms. Anderson, did you?”

Steven’s brows knit together, his handsome features clouded with guilt and something deeper. Back then, Bria had already been in a coma for four years. The doctors said she only had a five percent chance of waking up. He honestly thought she’d never open her eyes again. But then, after eight long years, she woke up—like a miracle.

“Bria, I know I hurt you. But after waiting four years, I just... I couldn’t wait anymore.”

Bria’s eyes burned, tears blurring her vision. Deep down, she didn’t blame him. Eight years was forever. He had done more than most would. But still, she couldn’t accept that someone else had taken her place in his heart.

She stood in silence for a long moment, forcing herself to swallow the tears. Finally, she took a shaky breath. “Steven, I know you love Ms. Anderson. And I get it—I’m not the same person I was. I’m giving you back to her. There’s no need for secrets anymore. As for us... we’re done. I hope you’re both happy.”

She turned away, holding herself together by sheer will, limping as she walked. She’d once been the queen bee of New Amberton, someone everyone looked up to. She still had her pride. She could accept losing, but she couldn’t accept being betrayed.

Watching her frail, limping figure disappear, Steven’s heart twisted with guilt and regret.

“Bria, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” he called out, hurrying after her and wrapping his arms around her from behind. “I can’t lose you.”

No one in this world had ever loved him like she did. Other women said they’d die for him, but it was just talk. Bria had actually risked her life for him, given him everything she had. If he lost everything, she’d still be by his side.

Bria’s heart felt like it was being ripped apart. She tried to hold back the tears, but they kept falling. After a while, her voice shook as she spoke. “Steven, I mean it. I don’t want to hold you back. I want you to be happy. If you don’t love me anymore, then let’s just end it. Don’t worry—I won’t go after you. Things change, people change. I get it.”

Her words cut him to the bone. “I’m sorry, Bria. Please, give me one last chance. I promise I’ll love you the way you deserve.”

Bria shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “Don’t lie to yourself, and don’t lie to me. I’m not angry. I just want you to be happy—if you are, then I am too.”

Steven felt like he could barely breathe. “I’m sorry. I know I messed up. Please, just one more chance. I don’t want anyone else, just you.”

“Bria—”

She turned away, disappointment written all over her face.

Steven’s chest tightened. He looked at Lucie, torn, and finally walked toward her.

Lucie had been worried sick about her grandfather, but now she stood frozen, caught between the two of them. She suddenly felt like the villain in someone else’s tragedy.

“Steven, what are you doing?” she whispered. “This is between you two. Don’t drag me into it.”

He looked at her pale, fragile face, and memories of last night flashed through his mind. He lifted his hand, but he just couldn’t bring himself to do it.

From behind, Bria’s voice rang out, cold and mocking. “Don’t force yourself, Steven. I know you can’t.”