Chapter 57

"Just focus on getting better, okay? Don't worry about anything else."

"I will, Grandpa."

Her grandfather lingered for a few more reminders before finally stepping out of the room.

As Lucie lay back on her bed, she felt a strange sense of relief. Like the weight that had been crushing her chest had suddenly vanished. Letting go was easier than she expected. Once she'd made her decision, everything felt lighter.

Her phone vibrated, breaking her silence. Steven's name flashed on the screen.

She didn't answer. Nothing he'd say would change anything. She could already picture him insisting that he and Shannon were just like siblings, acting like she was the unreasonable one. He had no real intention of fixing things; he just wanted her to accept Shannon in their lives. He was pushing to see how far she'd bend. If she backed down now, he'd only get bolder, maybe even flaunt another woman right in front of her.

A string of texts popped up.

[Lucie, answer the phone. I really don't get why you have to make this such a big deal.]

[Shannon and Marian are both hurt. Isn't that enough for you?]

[You can stay at the Andersons' place for a while if you need to. Once you've calmed down, we'll talk this through.]

Lucie didn't bother reading more. She turned off her phone. Right now, all she wanted was quiet. Just a little peace.

The next morning, Edgar and Mr. Johnson arrived at the Anderson family home, right on schedule.

Edgar handed her a neatly organized folder. "Ms. Anderson, here's the draft of your divorce petition. We've prepared everything you asked for. Take a look and let us know if there's anything you want to add."

Lucie scanned the paperwork, then nodded. "No, this covers everything."

Mr. Johnson looked up from his notes. "Just so you know, if Mr. Heath refuses to agree, the court probably won't grant the divorce right away."

Lucie nodded, calm and steady.

Let

"That's fine I'm ready for whatever it takes it doesn't go through this time, we'll just keep appealing.”

Edgar adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, his expression serious. "We'll do everything we can to protect your rights."

"Thank you. I trust you." Lucie sounded detached. She didn't care about the money or compensation. She just wanted out.

"In that case, if there's nothing else, we'll file the papers and send the notice today."

"Sounds good."

After they discussed a few more details, the lawyers left. Lucie knew it wouldn't be

long before Steven got the official notice and a court summons.

For the next week, Lucie kept her phone off. She shut herself away from everyone.

On the seventh day, Steven finally received the court summons. He

was stunned for moment Henet

handed everything off to his lawyers without another word.

That same afternoon, Steven drove straight to the Anderson estate and tried to force his way inside. The security guards didn't dare get physical, so they rushed to alert Lucie.

The butler knocked on her door, clearly flustered. "Mr. Heath is at the gate. He's demanding to come in. We can't hold him off."

Lucie felt a rush of frustration. “I don't want to see him. If he has something to say, he can talk to my lawyer."

"I told him that, but he insists on speaking with you." The butler passed her his

phone, his hand shaking. "He's on the line for you."

Lucie took a deep breath and accepted the call. “Hello?”

On the other end, Steven's voice was tight and strained. "Lucie, are you seriously going through with this?"