The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 148

Steven’s frown just got deeper. “Enough. Don’t ever call anyone else Daddy, got it?”

“Oops, sorry, Daddy. I’ll remember. I only have one Daddy and one Mommy.” He hesitated, then added, “Hey, where’s Mommy? She hasn’t been home in days. I kinda miss her.”

The thing was, he never actually hated his mom. It was Marian who always whispered that his mom was some kind of evil witch. That’s why he started to resent her. But then his new dad told him Marian was the real witch, and that Aunt Shannon was just a sneaky fox trying to steal his dad away. It was enough to make him rethink everything about his mom.

Steven’s heart twisted in his chest. He couldn’t say a word.

—

At dinner, Miranda noticed how distracted he was. “Steven, what’s your plan now?”

“I don’t have one.”

“What’s really going on with you and Shannon?”

He looked up, annoyed. “What are you talking about?”

Miranda lowered her voice. “The other day… didn’t something happen between you two?”

Steven’s frown deepened. “You’re reading too much into it. There’s nothing going on.”

“I’m done.” He stood, ready to leave.

Miranda tried again, her voice gentle. “Steven, Lucie hasn’t been back in weeks. Are you really set on divorcing her? If you can avoid it, don’t go through with it. It’s fine to have a little fun outside, but you can’t just bring anyone home as your wife…”

He didn’t respond. He just walked out.

—

Another week slipped by. The only thing Steven could do was stall.

It’s soon September fourth.

His phone rang. Lucie was calling. His heart skipped.

He answered, a little breathless. “Hey, honey. You finally called…”

Lucie’s voice was cold and flat. “Steven, the court hearing is tomorrow. I expect you to show up.”

Her words hit him like a slap. He opened his mouth but couldn’t find anything to say.

“I have solid evidence now,” she said, her tone icy. “Enough to ruin your reputation. If you don’t want your dirty laundry aired for everyone to see, just sign the divorce papers tomorrow.”

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