Chapter 280

"Steven, I hate you. Let me go." Lucie tried to push him away, but her whole body felt weak and sore. She barely managed to roll off him and onto the bed, struggling

to sit up.

Steven reached for her, pulling her right back into his arms. “Lucie, you are not dating Elio."

She glared at him, wanting nothing more than to stab him right then and there. But she was too drained to do anything about it.

"Did you hear me?" he pressed.

"And why should I listen to you?" she shot back.

“Because you still love me. And I... I love you, too. I can't stand the idea of you with someone else," he said, voice trembling.

Lucie's anger only grew. She tried to hold it in, but it was impossible. "Steven, what right do you have to say that? You can't control my life.”

Steven's arms tightened around her. "I know I've hurt you. I know I messed up." He cupped her face, kissing the tears from her cheeks and the corners of her eyes. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Lucie, I can't lose you. Please, come back to me. I can give you everything except marriage-even my life if you want it."

His words made her stomach turn. She struggled even harder, desperate to break free. “Steven, please, just let me go. Go love Bria. I don't need you. I don't want your love. Just... stop..."

He didn't let her finish. Instead, he crushed his mouth to hers, kissing her hard, trapping her beneath him again.

“Let me go... don't touch me..." she mumbled against his lips.

Steven had always been intense, but never like this. Before, when they were together, things had been different they were married, and nothing felt forbidden. Now that they were apart, every encounter was desperate, almost frantic.

"I'm not letting you leave me. If you won't listen, I'll have to do something drastic," he growled.

"You're insane. You're a monster," Lucie spat, still fighting, but completely overpowered.

By the time he finally stopped, it was nearly noon. His phone had been buzzing nonstop, but he ignored every call. Lucie was so exhausted she blacked out more than once.

The phone rang again, and this time Steven answered.

"Yeah?" he said, his voice cold.

"Mr. Heath, we messed up," a low voice replied. The person on the other end rattled

off a report for a couple minutes, and Steven's frown just deepened.

"Useless," he muttered.

"But don't worry, Mr. Heath. We'll get it done."

"Don't do anything else for now."

"...Understood."

After hanging up, Steven checked his phone-dozens of missed calls from shareholders, and even more from Bria and Miranda.

"This is a nightmare," he muttered.

He had a company crisis and a board meeting he absolutely couldn't skip. He grabbed a pack of wet wipes and cleaned them up as best he could, gang through the whole thing.

You’ll never believe why I moved to… Hanoi "Lucie," he murmured, lips brushing her ear, "I really do love you. I can't let anyone else have you. You're mine—always."

***

Lucie woke up again at five in the afternoon. She blinked, dazed, and looked around

at the unfamiliar room. The bed was huge and soft, the décor elegant and spotless.

Where am I?

She sat up slowly, every muscle

aching. The house was silent. She

forced herself to get up and

wandered into the living room

spacious, modern space with a few

robotic housekeepers gliding

around.

"Hello? Is anyone here? Where am I?” she called out.

No answer.

After a moment, one of the robots rolled over to her. "Hello. How may I assist you? I am the house manager."

Lucie stared at the machine, a little stunned. She looked around at the unfamiliar, luxurious space, her body still aching, her heart heavy. "Where is this? Where's Steven?"

"This is Mr. Heath's private villa," the robot replied in its calm electronic voice. "Mr. Heath left at two this afternoon. He instructed me to help you with anything you need."

Private villa? Lucie's heart dropped. Of course Steven wouldn't just let her go. He was locking her up again.

She leaned against the wall and made her way to the sofa, sinking down and staring

at the empty living room, her anger mixing with helplessness.

"Let me out. Open the door," she demanded.

The robot paused as if considering

her words. "'m sorry. Mr. Heath ordered that you are not to leave the villa before he returns. I also cannot

connect you to the outside world. However, Jean provide you with

meals or anything else you need for daily life." Lucie's eyes widened in fury. “Again... it's always like this... What does he want

from me?"

Her voice echoed through the huge, empty villa, making the place seem even colder and lonelier.