Chapter 349

"Lucie, I... I'm really sorry."

Lucie smiled softly and cut him off, her voice gentle. "You don't have to say that. I know you didn't want this either."

"I went to the hospital today. They said the baby's healthy."

Steven wiped away a tear. "Really? That's such a relief."

"Steven, do you really like kids?"

"Of course I do."

Lucie hesitated, then said, "I've been thinking... maybe you should have the baby."

Steven looked surprised. "What do you mean? I thought you wanted to raise the baby."

She let out a long sigh. "I'm just scared I won't be a good mom. I think the baby would be better off with you. If you're their role model, maybe they'll turn out as amazing as you."

He let out a short laugh. "Do you really mean that?"

"Of course. You're the best man I've ever known. Of course I'd want your child to be like you."

Steven smiled, a little caught off guard by the compliment. "Wow, that's rare praise coming from you. Whatever happens, after the baby's born, it's up to you. If you want to raise them, do it. If you don't, I will. Either way, it's fine."

Lucie nodded. "Okay, let's leave it at that. I have to go."

Steven gave a relaxed smile. "Alright. Call me if you need anything."

"Okay. Bye."

"You hang up first."

Lucie didn't say another word. She just ended the call.

Afterwards, she sat in her car for a long time, numb and cold all over, her heart aching so badly she could barely breathe.

"Steven, you keep lying to me, over and over," she whispered to herself. "So if I lie to you just this once, that's not too much, is it?"

She closed her eyes as tears slid quietly down her cheeks.

"Baby, please don't hate me for being cold. If you want to blame someone... blame the timing."

When her last tear finally fell, all the broken pieces inside her seemed to freeze, turning her heart into solid ice.

At the Rose Garden, Steven was practically glowing after the call. Everything was happening just the way he wanted. He'd managed to get everything he wanted, no compromises.

Bria caught his smile and gave him a teasing look. "Steven, you look way too happy. What's going on?"

He snapped out of his thoughts, wrapped his arms around her, and

kissed her hard on the cheek. "We're getting married soon. Of course I'm happy The wedding's next Eriday did you finish your guest list?"

Bria looked up at him, her eyes soft. "Steven, this is your second

marriage. And your split with Ms.

Anderson was all over the place. Maybe we should keep our wedding simple, as low-key as possible."

"No way. I promised you a big wedding, and I'm not backing out."

She laughed quietly. "As long as you remember, that's enough for me. Honestly, I don't care much about the ceremony."

Steven's smile faded a bit as he brushed a strand of hair from her face. "I'm sorry you have to settle for less."

Bria shook her head and leaned into him. "As long as I have you, nothing else matters."

She paused, lowering her voice. "But... what about Ms. Anderson? How are you planning to handle that?"

"Her?" Steven snorted, sounding sure of himself. "Once the baby's born, she'll leave. She always does."

He never saw Lucie as anything but soft and easy to manipulate. As long as he had the baby and Cody, he figured he could keep her exactly where he wanted.

f

Bria's lips curved in the slightest smile as she wrapped her arms around his waist. "As long as you know what you're doing. Oh, I've already sent out most of the wedding invitations. Just ou

families and a few close business

partners, so it won't draw too much

attention."