“If you enjoy it here, then we can go traveling often in the future,” Lucian said when they were on the way to the lake. “The past few years have been incredibly hectic, so I’m looking forward to taking some time off to relax during my vacations.”
He was holding Roxanne’s hand. She stared at his side profile and felt a bitter feeling spreading across her heart. For the past six years, they had been out of touch and unaware of each other’s current status.
Roxanne led a hectic but fulfilling life. On the contrary, Lucian didn’t seem to be doing well. “We can bring the kids here one day. I don’t think they have been in the mountains before.”
Lucian stopped in his tracks and turned over his shoulder to look at her. They had arrived at the lake.
Perhaps they were in the mountains, for the lake water was crystal clear. The branches of the drooping willows by the lake were swaying lightly in the breeze. Roxanne glanced at him and said distractedly. “I believe Archie and Benny want to travel, too.
I’ve been busy with work and never got the chance to travel with them. Essie…” She didn’t know much about Estella but could roughly guess the little girl’s situation. “Essie used to be afraid of strangers, so I don’t think she has gotten out much, right? Now that she’s doing better, we can go travel.”
She sounded natural as though she had been thinking about this for a long time. Lucian tightened his grip on her hand, surprised. He was saying that on the condition that Roxanne agreed to be with him.
Never in his wildest dreams did he expect Roxanne to continue the conversation readily. Does she feel the same way as I do?
Roxanne’s heart skipped a beat when she met his gaze. She didn’t continue and merely gave him a bright smile as an answer. They remained by the lake until sunset. Before Cayden arrived, Roxanne received a call from Jack. “How’s the situation? Has your car been repaired?”
“No. I’m afraid I can’t make it there today. I’m sorry about that. Has the medical consultation ended? What about the elderly people’s condition?”
Jack chuckled bitterly. “The medical consultation has ended. Everyone is exhausted. All these elderly patients have been suffering from old and stubborn diseases that are hard to cure completely. All we can do is help them recuperate slowly and patiently.”
Roxanne frowned as an apologetic look appeared in her eyes. “You must’ve worked hard today. I’ll make sure to arrive on time tomorrow to meet up with you.”
Jack reassured her, “Don’t worry. We have plenty of doctors here to take care of any medical needs. Be careful and let me know if you need any help.”
Roxanne thanked him gratefully. They chatted briefly about the elderly people’s medical condition before hanging up. Taking in Roxanne’s downcast expression, Lucian pulled her into his arms.
“It’s not your fault that they got sick, so don’t beat yourself up over it. If you’re looking for someone to put the blame on, then I’m the one to blame. I should have driven more carefully. so you could have made it in time.”
Roxanne sighed. “That has absolutely nothing to do with you. I just couldn’t help but feel bad for them. They were alone despite being ill, with no one to turn to for help. Even if I can provide them with the treatment they need, it will be difficult for them to survive without the support and care of someone else.”
Lucian was moved by her kindness. “We’ll figure out something. The most important thing now is to treat their sickness.”
Roxanne nodded. “I need to arrive at the nursing home as early as possible tomorrow. I couldn’t be there today, so I must work twice as hard tomorrow.”
