The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 27

She was beautiful and quiet, intelligent and reserved, always striving to be better. In every way, she was exceptional.

He couldn't find a single fault.

A knot formed in Lucie’s chest, anger flickering behind her eyes. “Steven, you know me. Once I’ve made up my mind, nothing can change it.”

“You’re really willing to end everything over something so trivial?” Steven leaned in, his gaze both tender and pleading.

He reached for her, voice dipping into a low, comforting murmur. “Are you sure, Lucie? Can you really let go of me and our son?”

For a moment, Lucie’s resolve wavered, her heart twisting in her chest.

Four years of marriage had woven their lives together. They were family.

And she did love him.

Steven was the picture of charm—elegant, thoughtful, quick-witted, and impossibly handsome. Every feature, every smile, fit her ideals perfectly.

She wanted forever with him.

But every time she thought of him and Shannon, how their lines blurred, how boundaries vanished, her stomach turned.

She couldn't stand it.

“Don’t say another word,” she said, her voice steady as steel. “I give this marriage everything. I expect my husband to do the same.

“I told you when we got married: if you fall for someone else, or if there’s an ex you just can’t let go of, I’ll walk away without looking back.”

Steven’s face fell, his expression intentionally wounded. “What ex? I fell for you the moment we met. You’re the only one I love, Lucie.”

He drew closer, brushing his lips over her forehead, then her earlobe—each touch deliberate, calculated.

He was an expert at this game. He knew every one of her weak spots.

But eventually, she saw the truth: there was nothing sibling-like about the way Shannon looked at him. The longing in her eyes was impossible to miss.

If anyone could believe they were just family, they would be a big fool.

“Don’t bother explaining. I don’t believe a single word anymore. I’ve given you chance after chance, and you never cared enough to change.

“Until I forgive you, don’t touch me.”

Lucie shoved him hard, putting two feet of space between them.

Steven’s shoulders slumped. He didn’t dare press further. “Your grandfather’s getting old. My mother’s not young anymore, either. If we divorce, it’ll break their hearts.

“Thanksgiving’s almost here. After that, it’s your grandfather’s seventieth birthday. Can he really handle a divorce right now?

“And if you think I’ll give up custody of Cody—you’re dreaming.”