The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 298

June’s whole face lit up, relief and excitement mixed together. “He’s awake! He’s really okay now. It’s all going to be fine.”

“The doctor said as long as he woke up within a week, he’d pull through. That guy’s got a tough life—he’s too stubborn for death, even the Grim Reaper wouldn’t take him!”

“Hmph. That idiot. He still owes me for punching me last time. If he thinks he’s getting away that easily, he’s dreaming.”

Lucie’s hand shook around the velvet box. A rush of emotion hit her, so strong she almost choked on her own breath. She started to follow the others, but Joanna’s bodyguards blocked her path.

“Ms. Anderson, you need to go,” one of them said, his face blank as stone.

June quickly tried to smooth things over. “They’re just really worked up, Lucie, don’t take it to heart. I’ll go in, see how he is, and come back to tell you, okay?”

She darted inside before Lucie could say anything else. The hallway fell quiet again.

Lucie just stood there, staring at the closed hospital room door, her heart aching. All she wanted was to know he was safe. If he was out of danger, she could finally let go. She had no intention of clinging to him or making his family resent her any more than they already did.

Minutes later, June rushed back out, breathless and grinning. “He’s awake! Seriously, he’s awake! He can talk, too, just sounds a little weak. And he keeps asking for you!”

Lucie’s tension finally eased, her eyes stinging with tears she barely managed to hold back. “Thank goodness. As long as he’s okay, that’s enough for me.”

“Hey, give this to him for me, would you? I should go now. Please.”

She handed June the velvet box. “Be careful. It’s really fragile.”

June hugged the box to her chest. “Wait, you’re really not going in to see him?”

Lucie took a shaky breath, blinking back tears. “No, I just wanted to make sure he’d be alright. That’s all I needed.”

It was true. As long as he was safe, the Pitts family had more than enough money and connections to get him the very best care. He’d be fine without her worrying.

“You’re really leaving?”

Lucie managed a small, bittersweet smile. “Goodbye, June.”

“Lucie, wait—”

But Lucie didn’t look back, just walked down the corridor toward the elevators.

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Inside the hospital room, Elio finally opened his eyes after four days in a coma. Joanna, Mr. Pitts, Mrs. Pitts, and June’s mom were all gathered around his bed, some laughing, some crying.

“My son, you finally woke up. Do you know how worried I was? You’ve never let me relax for a second since you were little,” Joanna said, wiping her tears.

Mr. Pitts shook his head. “Elio, no more driving like that. It’s just not worth it.”

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