Chapter 66

The housekeeper's voice was frantic on the other end. "Mr. Heath, something terrible has happened. Ms. Rivas was just in a car accident."

"What? Is she all right?"

“She's already been rushed to the hospital. The doctors are doing everything they can."

Steven's chest tightened. He jumped out of bed without a second thought. "I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Yes, sir."

He ended the call and scrambled to get dressed, hands shaking. "Lucie,

something happened at work. I need to go take care of it. Stay here and be good, okay? I'll come back as soon as I can."

Just like that, Lucie's heart plummeted, the heat between them replaced with icy dread. She'd heard everything. Shannon had been in a car accident. That's why Steven was panicking.

"Steven, who is Shannon to you? Why do you lose your mind every time something happens to her?" Lucie snapped, her patience finally gone.

Steven frowned, looking tired and frustrated. "Shannon was in an accident. I have to see her at the hospital." He grabbed his things, already halfway out the door. "We'll talk when I get back." He disappeared into the bathroom without waiting for her reply.

Lucie sat on the edge of the bed, seething. She was furious at him, but even more at herself. All it took was a few sweet words and a touch, and she almost let herself fall for him again. Never again, she swore. She wouldn't let him mess with her head or her heartanymore.

Steven's phone buzzed from the nightstand, lighting up with a new message. He'd left it there when he rushed to the bathroom. Lucie glanced at the door. He was still inside. She'd never looked through his phone before, but right now, she couldn't help herself. She needed to know.

She quickly swapped her phone with his. They had the same model, except hers had a case and his didn't.

Just as she finished, Steven came out of the bathroom, barely pausing. "Babe, don't overthink things. I'll be back soon." He kissed her forehead, grabbed the phone from the nightstand, and stuffed it into his pocket, already heading out the door.

As soon as the door closed, Lucie reached for his phone. He'd never bothered setting a passcode. Maybe he thought she'd never look. It took nothing to unlock it and open his messages

and

Shannon's conversation was pinned at the very top. They texted every day, sometimes all day. Shannon messages were full of wearts selfies; she didn't even try to hide how she felt.

[Which bra do you think looks better on me?]

[Thank you for the birthday surprise today. I'm still smiling.]

[I just want to be with you forever. Seeing you every day is enough for me.]

[I miss you. I can't sleep. Can you talk to me?]

[You're the most important person in my life. I can't imagine being without you. Thank you for loving me the way you do.]

Shannon sent him at least thirty messages a day. Steven didn't reply to every one, but he always sent something back. His last message to her was from the night before.

[Be good. You'll have lots of fun abroad. I'll miss you too, but this is how it has to be. I'll make it up to you. You'll always be my little rose. I'll always care about you.]

Lucie's stomach turned. There were so many messages she could barely keep up.