Chapter 172

Elio let out a dry laugh. "What exactly is so wrong about us?"

Lucie didn't hesitate. "We just aren't right for each other. Our personalities clash. Honestly, we're better off as friends. Don't waste your time on me. And... I've already been married. I even have a kid."

He shrugged like it meant nothing. "That doesn't bother me."

Lucie frowned. "I'm really not in the mood for romance right now, so please, don't waste your time."

Elio slouched, looking defeated. "So, you're turning me down again?"

"Elio, you're a great guy. Really. But we're not a match. You'll find someone better, someone who's perfect for you. You deserve that."

A wry smile tugged at his lips. "So that's another 'you're such a good guy' speech?"

He made a little beeping sound. "Beep-good guy alert."

Lucie couldn't help but feel awkward. She truly believed they weren't right for each other. He was just too much too loud, too wild, too out there. She liked things quiet, steady.

Elio sighed. "Lucie, am I really that irritating?"

Honestly, heartbreak was the only kind of pain he'd ever known. He'd only truly fallen for two girls in his life, and both had managed to crush him. His first love, June, had slept with nearly all his closest friends, leaving him absolutely shattered. Then came Lucie. They'd fought, sure, but hadn't even officially broken up. The next thing he knew, she'd married another man without a word. That betrayal stung even more.

Just then, the waiter arrived with their food.

Lucie seized the moment to change the subject. "The food's here. You should try their sushi, it's really unique."

Elio stared at his plate, clearly still sulking. "Honestly, I couldn't taste a thing right now."

"Elio, don't be like that, I—"

He cut her off, not wanting to make things any worse. He knew she took things slow, didn't like being pushed. "Okay, okay, enough. Let's just enjoy food."

Lucie handed him a dish. "Here, have some of this."

They were just starting to eat when the restaurant manager came over, all polite and formal. “Mr. Heath, your table is ready. Please follow me."

Behind him walked Steven, Bria, and Cody.

Lucie instinctively looked up. Steven was carefully pushing Bria's wheelchair through the dining room.

“Bria, I reserved us a table," Steven said gently. "I wanted you and Cody to try the new dishes here."

Bria smiled. "This place is new, right?"

"It's been around for a few years now," Steven replied.

A waiter helped Bria settle into her seat. Steven leaned over with concern. "Are

you cold? I can ask for a shawl."

Bria smiled again. "I'm fine, really."

Cody's eyes darted around, and he suddenly spotted Lucie at the next table. "Daddy, look! It's Mommy!"

Steven followed his son's gaze and immediately caught sight of Lucie sitting with Elio. For a moment, he just froze, something sharp and hot running through him. Even though they were divorced, he hadno full go 5. In his mind, Lucie was still his wife. He'd given her over five billion in alimony and a commercial property worth billions. He never

said it out loud, but deep down, he'd hoped she'd stay loyal, maybe even wait for him, love him like before.

He never expected that just a week after their divorce, she'd rush back to her ex. The thought made his blood boil.

Cody, oblivious to the tension, ran over to Lucie, grinning. He hadn't seen her in days and missed her more than he realized.

"Cody," Lucie said, standing up quickly.

Cody looked at Elio and grinned. "New Daddy! Oh, wait, I mean Mr. Pitts!"

Elio ruffled Cody's hair. "Hey, big guy."

Cody turned back to Lucie, his eyes wide and innocent. "Mommy, why haven't you come home? Are you

still mad at me already promised Mr. Ritts Tilbe a good boy from now on

Lucie felt a lump in her throat. His words cut deep. Cody wasn't her biological son, but she'd carried him for nine months and nearly died giving birth to him. Her pregnancy had been even harder than most. And in the end, the child she'd suffered so much for wasn't really hers. There were no words for that kind of pain.

Steven's voice came out cold and sharp. "Cody, get back here."

Cody's face fell, and he hurried back to his father's side.

Lucie suddenly felt cold all over; she didn't want to face Steven and Bria for

another second.

"Elio, let's go."