Chapter 64

Half an hour later, their car rolled up the drive and stopped on the front lawn of the villa. The staff and bodyguards rushed out to greet them. "Welcome home, Mr. Heath, Mrs. Heath."

The driver hurried over and opened Lucie's door, but her seatbelt was stuck. She let out a soft, frustrated sound. Steven leaned in, unfastened the seatbelt, then scooped her up into his arms. The edge of his bandage brushed her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

"Remember the first time I carried you up the stairs?” he whispered.

He carried her inside. The crystal chandelier in the entryway scattered light and shadows across his face. Lucie didn't resist. She just let him hold her and went along quietly.

Once they reached the bedroom, Steven gently set her down on the bed. He smiled at her, warm and gentle. "Welcome home, baby. From now on, you're not allowed to go out alone unless I say so."

Lucie gripped the sheets, her knuckles white. "Steven, you can't just lock me up like this."

He let out a low chuckle, loosening his tie and tossing it on the nightstand. The veins in his neck stood out as he moved closer. "No, this isn't imprisonment. It's protection."

His bandaged hand landed softly on her waist. "Let's stop fighting, okay? I'll try harder. I won't make you angry anymore. I know you can't stand Shannon. I'll send her overseas tomorrow. She won't be coming back to New Amberton unless you say so. Marian and Douglas? I'm transferring them to the old estate, far away from here."

Lucie stared at him, completely stunned. He had always treated that family too well. Shannon, was his precious favorite. Would he really send her away so easily?

"Steven, you don't have to do this," she said quietly.

He looked at her with such earnestness, then kissed her softly. "You're the only family I need. You're the most important person to me. If someone upsets you, they upset me, too. Just give me another chance, Lucie. Let me show you rean change."

Lucie's heart twisted. Maybe... if he could really change, if he could actually let go of Shannon, maybe she'd give them another shot. But deep down, she didnt believe he could.

She tried to change the subject. "What about Cody?"

"He's at the old estate. Next week, my mom is taking him to Canada."

Lucie shot up in bed, shocked. "What? You want to send Cody abroad?"

Steven nodded. "Life here is too fast. My mom doesn't like it, and she wants to take Cody to Vancouver with her."

Lucie stared at him, her mind reeling. He was rushing to send Cody away because he was afraid she'd take their son for another paternity test. That's what this was really about.

"Steven, I don't agree. Cody's too young. I want him to grow up with me. Even if he goes abroad for school, I want him to stay here at least until he finishes middle school."

"If you miss him, we can visit

anytime," Steven said, his tone

soothing. Then he looked at her with

a strange, hopeful light in his eyes.

"Besides, I hope you'll focus one getting better. I want us to have another child. I'm taking care of

myself, too. Next time, it happen naturally."