The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 272

“It’s barely eight,” Elio said with a tired laugh. “How am I supposed to go to bed already? If you won’t have dinner with me, I might just call up some friends for drinks.”

Lucie felt her frustration building. “Whatever. Go out, have your drinks. Just try not to stay up too late, okay?”

Elio almost choked. “Wait, you’re really just letting me go? Aren’t you the least bit worried I’ll get drunk and some pretty girl will run off with me?”

Lucie frowned, not in the mood for his games. “Do whatever you want, Elio. I’ve got things to finish. I’ll talk to you later.” And with that, she hung up.

She knew exactly what kind of guy Elio was. This was New Amberton, after all—a city that definitely didn’t lack beautiful women. If he wanted to mess around, there was no stopping him. He could say he was just stepping out for cigarettes and end up in some sketchy massage place or worse. Once a guy got a taste for that life, it was impossible to rein him in. And honestly, Elio wasn’t even her boyfriend. He was free to do whatever he liked.

Not even a minute later, her phone buzzed. Elio again.

She sighed and picked up. “What now?”

He gave a nervous little laugh. “Lucie, I was just messing with you. Are you mad?”

She blinked, genuinely confused. “Why would I be mad?”

“I’m serious, it was a joke. I’m actually being really good these days. I’m done drinking. No going to clubs or anything.”

“Mm,” Lucie replied, barely listening as she scrolled through her files. The truth was, she didn’t tolerate cheating—at all. If someone crossed that line, it was over for her. She’d let Elio go before, just like she’d left Steven. When it came to feelings, it was all or nothing. She had money, ambition, dreams—her life was already full. Love would be nice, but she didn’t need it to be complete.

“You’re really not mad?” he pressed.

“Nope. There’s nothing to be mad about.”

“So you don’t care about me at all?” His voice was wounded, almost sulky.

“Elio, I appreciate you. You’re one of my most trusted friends. But we just don’t work as a couple. You don’t need to keep wasting your time or energy on me.”

He let out a frustrated snort. “You keep saying we’re not right for each other, but what exactly isn’t right?”

Lucie rubbed her forehead. “Honestly? Everything.” She knew herself. Elio was like a wild horse—untamable. If they ever got together, he’d be chasing after other girls nonstop, and she’d lose her mind. Better to shut it down before things ever got messy.

He sighed dramatically. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Where are you now? Still in Westbrook?”

Lucie considered it, then decided to be honest. “I just got back to New Amberton today. But please, don’t tell anyone. I’m leaving again in a couple of days.”

“Why?”

“I just need a change of scenery.”

Mira sighed. “Alright. Well, how about we meet up for a drink? We haven’t hung out in ages. I’ve missed you.”

Lucie glanced at the clock—it was already after nine. She really didn’t feel like going out, but it had been a while since she’d seen Mira. Plus, she still owed her a thank you for helping with the Bria situation.

“How about we skip the drinks and I treat you to a late-night snack instead?”

“Deal! I’ll call Yolanda and Angela. They’ve both been dying to see you, and they totally freaked out when they heard about your divorce.”