The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 68

She always thought of herself as tough, someone who could handle anything life threw her way. But this time, she just couldn’t hold it together.

“So this is what it feels like when your heart actually breaks,” she whispered, her voice shaky in the empty room. “But it’s fine. Time fixes everything, right? Eventually, all of this will just fade away.”

She took a long look around. Four years of her life were packed into this room. If nothing unexpected happened, she was pretty sure she’d never step foot here again. On the wall, their wedding photo still hung—her and Steven, looking like the perfect fairytale couple, at least in the picture.

Slowly, she walked over, picked up a pair of scissors, and without hesitating, started cutting herself out of every single photo. Slice after slice, she erased herself from their memories.

When she finished, she headed straight for the door and tried the handle. It wouldn’t budge. Steven must have been afraid she’d sneak out, so he’d locked her in.

For a second, she just stood there, thinking. Then she turned and went to the window instead. The master bedroom was on the second floor; it wasn’t that high. She slid open the window, checked the drop, and slowly climbed out, gripping the safety net as she made her way down.

A maid spotted her from below and shrieked, “Ma’am, be careful!” Her voice shook with panic. “Help! Somebody help! She’s going to fall!”

Suddenly, all the staff came rushing out, some yelling for a ladder, others with their arms out, ready to catch her if she slipped.

Lucie was good at this. The height didn’t scare her. Before anyone could bring a ladder, she’d already made it down safely.

“Ma’am, are you alright?” the butler asked, completely flustered as he hurried over.

Lucie didn’t even look shaken. “I’m fine. I’m heading out for a bit.” Her tone was cool and flat. She made her way straight to the garage.

“Goodbye, Steven,” she murmured, barely audible over the roar of the engine. “Four years, and it’s finally over. Whether we loved or didn’t, it all ends the same. No point in feeling sorry anymore.”

Back at the house, the butler was frantic. He ordered the bodyguards to follow her, then hurried to call Steven. “Sir, Mrs. Heath just left in the car. We tried to stop her, but she wouldn’t listen!”

Steven’s voice was cold and furious. “Useless, all of you.”

At the hospital, Steven had just learned that Shannon’s injury was nothing more than a sprained ankle. As soon as he heard about Lucie, his heart started to race with panic. He was about to leave when Shannon tugged at his sleeve, her eyes shining with tears.

“Steven, can you stay with me a little longer? I’m really scared here by myself. Please, don’t go…”