The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 275

More confetti burst into the air, filling the night with a flurry of petals and bright balloons. Outside, glowing drones floated above the bar, spelling out I LOVE LUCIE for everyone to see.

The guests sitting outside couldn’t believe their eyes. “Wow, this is straight out of a movie!”

“Who’s proposing?”

“I think it’s happening inside. Let’s go check it out!”

Phones came out in a flash, everyone snapping photos and recording videos.

Lucie stood frozen, totally overwhelmed. There was no happiness on her face—just pure shock and a deep sense of awkwardness.

Elio knelt in front of her, holding out a ring with all the sincerity he could muster. “Lucie, I mean every word. Before, I didn’t understand what you wanted from love. Now I do. You want something real, something that lasts forever and never fades. Please, give me another chance. Let me love you, cherish you. I promise I’ll get it right this time.”

Lucie’s brow creased, her throat tight with nerves.

Mira, teary-eyed, nudged her. “Lucie, what are you waiting for? Say yes already!”

Angela looked at her with open envy. “Seriously, what’s there to think about? Go for it!”

Yolanda chimed in. “Yeah, don’t overthink it—just say yes!”

Elio’s gaze was intense, unwavering. “Lucie, I love you.”

Time seemed to stop. Lucie finally snapped out of it, her voice barely above a whisper. “Elio, what are you doing?”

“I love you. Marry me. I know this is all kind of rushed, and maybe not as fancy as you deserve.”

Lucie glanced around at the crowd, not wanting to embarrass him. She lowered her voice, flustered. “Elio, please… stop. We’re really not right for each other.”

He shook his head, desperate. “I mean it. I haven’t stopped thinking about you these past four years. I can’t lose you again. I don’t care about your past.”

“Lucie, just say yes!” Mira and Yolanda urged, pushing her closer to Elio. Angela grabbed the ring and slipped it onto Lucie’s finger herself. “We’ll say yes for her!”

“Kiss her! Kiss her!” someone shouted.

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause. Lucie felt lightheaded, her mind spinning. She wanted to run, or just melt into the floor. But the whole place was buzzing, and there was nowhere to hide.

“Elio, we… we…” Lucie’s cheeks burned. She couldn’t bring herself to reject him in front of everyone.

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