The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 79

“We’re just not going to live together anymore, but that doesn’t change how much we love you. Your life won’t be any different, and I’ll always love you, no matter what.”

“I don’t want to hear it! I don’t believe you!” Cody wailed, his face buried in her leg. “I just want Mommy and Daddy to live together.”

Lucie’s heart ached. She watched her son, feeling helpless and heartbroken all at once.

Steven stepped forward, just as she expected. “Honey, let’s think this through for Cody’s sake. We shouldn’t just throw our family away. I love you, and I love our family. This isn’t worth ending everything over.”

His voice was soft, pleading, every word dripping with sincerity.

Lucie stared at him, her emotions tangled up inside. She knew this was his usual routine—trying to talk her down, to get her to change her mind. But she was tired. She just wanted it to be over.

“Steven, let’s just take this to court,” she said, her tone cold. “If you want custody of Cody, you can have him. If you don’t, then I’ll take him.”

Steven’s brow creased in frustration. “Lucie, are you really going to do this over something so small?”

“It might seem small to you,” she answered flatly. “But that’s only because you’re not the one who got hurt. To me, it’s like finding something disgusting in my food. I just can’t swallow it.”

Steven ran a hand through his hair, growing more anxious. “I’ve told you a million times, I only see Shannon as a sister. That’s all.”

“You don’t have to explain anymore. I don’t want to hear it,” Lucie cut him off. “Let’s just settle this in court.” She gently pried Cody off her leg and walked toward the courtroom without looking back.

“Ms. Anderson has provided several photos of Mr. Heath meeting with other women, and records of expensive gifts with obvious romantic overtones,” Edgar said. “This is clear evidence of an inappropriate relationship. And in addition, the defendant has shown violent tendencies, causing physical harm to Ms. Anderson—”

“Objection,” Steven’s lawyer interrupted. “These claims are completely unfounded. Mr. Heath has not been unfaithful. The photos show normal social interactions. As for the accusation of violence, it was a one-time thing in the heat of the moment, and the situation was minor. Mr. Heath apologized and has already made amends. There was no lasting harm—”

After more than half an hour of arguments, the judge finally gave his decision. Since Steven absolutely refused to agree to a divorce, Lucie’s request was denied.

Lucie wasn’t surprised. Her lawyer had already warned her this might happen, and she’d prepared herself for it. Right away, she filed for legal separation and appealed the judge’s ruling.

As long as they were officially separated, it was only a matter of time.