Chapter 277
Elio cut her off, his eyes burning with determination as he leaned in closer. “I just need to know—do you hate me p>
Lucie’s gaze darted away. Her voice was barely a whisper. “No, I don’t p>
He broke into a relieved smile. “Then that’s all I care about. The rest? We’ll figure it out. Lucie, let’s wipe the slate clean. I want to chase after you for real this time. I’ll prove to you I can be a good husband p>
Her heart thudded wildly in her chest, emotions tangling up inside her.
“All I’m asking for is a chance. Just one. Can I have that p>
“Elio, are you actually serious right now p>
He raised a hand, solemn as ever. “I swear, if I’m lying, I’m gonna get hit by a car tomorrow p>
She hurried to cover his mouth with her hand. “Stop. Don’t say stuff like that p>
He chuckled softly. “So… you’re saying yes p>
“I Lucie’s mind was spinning. She couldn’t even form a real refusal.
After a moment, Elio took a step back. “We can just try it out. If it doesn’t feel right, we’ll go back to being friends, no hard feelings p>
“Let me think it over, okay p>
He nodded. “Alright. One night to decide p>
“It’s late, you should go p>
“Okay, but you have to give me an answer tomorrow p>
Lucie nodded, still feeling torn. “Alright p>
“Driver, let’s head out p>
“Yes, Miss,” the driver replied, hopping in.
Twenty minutes later, they pulled up to the hotel. Elio got out, then circled back and slipped a ring onto her finger, his movements gentle but firm. “Lucie, if you say yes, this is a promise ring. If you say no, then it’s just a Christmas gift p>
She tried to take it off. “No, this is way too much. I can’t accept it p>
He caught her hand and pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. “Just wear it, okay p>
Their eyes locked, and she saw so much hope and vulnerability in his face that it nearly broke her. She relented and let the ring stay.
“Fine. But I’m getting you a gift, too p>
“You really don’t have to p>
“It’s only fair. I’ll pick something out for you when I get back p>
Elio gave in, laughing lightly. “Alright, if you insist p>
“Goodnight, Elio. Get some sleep p>
“You too. Text me when you get home, okay? Just so I know you’re safe p>
“I will p>
She rolled up the window, and the car pulled away, her bodyguards’ car following close behind. Ten minutes later, they were winding up the road toward the family estate. Lucie stared out the window, wishing tonight had just been a quiet
get together with Mira and the
others. Now everything felt
complicated.
“I need to finish up here and leave—no more delays. I can’t afford to stay any
longer,” she thought, anxiety gnawing at her.
Suddenly, the car jolted to a stop. The driver slammed on the brakes, and Lucie lurched forward her seatbelt digging into her chest.
“What happened?” she gasped, adrenaline spiking.
The driver’s voice shook. “I’m not sure, Miss. I think we hit something p>
“Hit what p>
“I’ll check.” He started to get out, but the bodyguards from the car behind were already moving, stepping out to take a look.
That’s when a crowd of men in black suits appeared, melting out of the shadows and surrounding the vehicles.
Lucie’s bodyguards drew their batons. “Who are you p>
A familiar voice answered from the crowd. “Don’t worry, we’re on your side.” It was Andy, Steven’s right hand.
But before anyone could react, her security detail was quickly surrounded and outnumbered, weapons drawn on them.
A chill ran down Lucie’s spine. “We need to go. Now p>
But it was already too late. A black car screeched up, blocking them in, and bright headlights cut through the dark as a Maybach pulled up. A bodyguard rushed to open its door, and from the back seat, a tall broad-shouldered man stepped out.
Even with the glare behind him, Lucie knew exactly who it was—Steven.
“Go! Drive!” she shouted, panic rising.
Glass exploded beside her. A powerful hand reached through the shattered window.
“Steven! What are you doing? Stop p>
The car door was yanked open. Steven leaned in, grabbed her by the collar, and hauled her out like she weighed nothing.
“Let me go! What do you want?” she cried, fighting his grip.
He tossed her over his shoulder and carried her straight to the Maybach, shoving her inside.
“Out,” he ordered the driver, who immediately scrambled out of the car.
“Yes, Mr. Heath p>