Chapter 348

"Take care. If you need anything, just let me know, okay?"

Lucie didn't say another word. Her mind was spinning as she drove away, her thoughts tangled and heavy. The drive back felt endless. Her heart ached so badly it was hard to breathe, like someone was tearing it apart piece by piece.

Steven was lying to her. Again.

She just couldn't understand it. Why did he always have to lie? Time after time, he set her up, hurt her, left her picking up the pieces. And even now, he wasn't letting her go. He was still stringing her along, still playing games.

Her hands shook as she pulled over and grabbed her phone. She barely hesitated before calling Steven.

The line rang a few times. Then he picked up. "Hey, Lucie."

Just hearing his voice sent a chill through her. Her grip on the phone was so tight her knuckles turned white. She sucked in a few shaky breaths, forcing herself to keep it together.

"Steven, what are you doing right now?"

He sounded surprised. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

She paused, swallowing down the lump in her throat. "...No, nothing happened. Bria just stopped by this afternoon. She gave me your wedding invitation."

The silence on the other end was deafening. Lucie could almost hear his heart drop.

She pressed on, keeping her voice as steady as she could. “I saw the date. The wedding's next Friday, right?"

She tried to sound calm, even gentle.

Steven let out a long breath. "Lucie, I'm so sorry. I really am. In this lifetime, all I've done is let you down. If there's ever another life... I'll make it up to you, I swear."

His words cut right through her. She bit back tears, forcing herself to sound even softer, like she understood. "It's okay. I know you've got your reasons. I get that you had no choice."

Steven's voice cracked a little. “Lucie, just hearing you say that... it means so much. I love you too, you know. It's not that I want to leave you. I just... I can't let Bria down. I promised her."

Lucie managed a small, sad smile. “I

know. You don't have to explain

again. Honestly, I hope you two are I happy together. I wish you all the best. And since I'm free next Friday, I'll come to your wedding. want to be there to wish you well and bring a gift. It's the least can do."

Steven was stunned. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. “Lucie, you don't have to pretend to be okay for me. I know this hurts. You really don't have to come."

She shook her head, even though he couldn't see her. “After you marry Bria, I hope we can still be there for each other. If you ever need anything, I'll help if I can. And if I need help, I know I can count on you."

"I mean it," Lucie added. "Thank you for everything you've done for me. If it weren't for you, the Anderson family would've never gotten those lost antiques back. And you'll always be my ex husband, the father of my child. I want you to be happy. I hope we can get along."

Steven was so touched his voice almost broke. "You saying that... it makes everything I've done feel worth it."

She was so understanding, so

willing to see things from his side. It made him happier than he could say. For a second, he let himself dream of a life where the three of them could actually get along. He loved Bria, he loved Lucie He couldn't give up either of them. If only they could all find a way to make it work-maybe then, he'd finally feel complete.