It was past eight in the evening when Roxanne arrived home. When she entered, she saw the three children sitting on the couch, tuning to the financial news channel. Lucian was sitting cross-legged beside them. The four of them were focused on the television.
“You’re back?” Lucian was the first to get up when he heard the sound at the door. “There’s food on the table. I just heated it. You should change and come down for dinner.”
Only then did the three children shift their focus and run toward her with round bellies. “Mommy, the food that Daddy ordered is delicious!”
Roxanne looked amused when she saw how. full they were from eating before she shifted her gaze to the CEO before her who seemed to be asking for credit.
“What did you-”
“I didn’t want to make you worry. You should know I can take good care of them.” Roxanne was taken aback. She looked at how serious Lucian was and felt her heart skip a beat. “I know. That’s why I asked you to look after them.”
The three children stared at their parents and slowly backed away in understanding to minimize their presence.
Roxanne noticed the change in the atmosphere and quickly regained her composure. She lowered her head and walked past Lucian.
Lucian did not stop her either. Roxanne was tired after having dinner. She suggested Lucian take the children home with him. “It’s getting late. You should bring them to the manor.”
Hearing that, the three children stared at them in confusion. Roxanne patiently explained to Archie and Benny, “I’m quite busy these days, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to take good care of you. How about the two of you stay at Essie’s place for some time?”
“No! We want to be with you, Mommy!” Archie was the first to reject the idea. Determination was written all over his face. “We want to protect you!” Roxanne was moved when she heard that. She smiled and reached over to ruffle his hair.
“I have bodyguards by my side. Plus, I’m an adult. I can take care of myself. I’ll be distracted and worried if the three of you are here. You don’t want me to be exhausted either, right?”
With how she worded it, the children had no choice but to agree despite their unwillingness. Lucian helped the three children get into the car before he turned to look at Roxanne. “Will you be fine on your own?”
Roxanne smiled. “Don’t I still have the bodyguards you assigned for me? Plus, Aubree won’t appear for the next few days. I don’t think it’ll be dangerous.”
“There are a lot of guest rooms at the manor,” Lucian hinted. Naturally, Roxanne could understand what he meant. However, she still had some concerns, so she shook her head and replied, “It’s fine. It’s closer to the research institute from here.”
After saying that, she abruptly changed the topic, afraid Lucian might try to persuade her again. “It’s getting late. The children still need to go to kindergarten tomorrow. You should hurry and bring them home.”
Lucian knew it was impossible to persuade her, so he kept quiet. After all, the children would be going home with him. He would find other ways to make her agree. With that thought in mind, he reminded her to rest early before getting into the car.
“Bye, Mommy.” The children wound down the window and said goodbye to Roxanne reluctantly. Roxanne smiled and waved goodbye as she watched them leave.
After driving for a while, Lucian looked at the three children through the rearview mirror and asked, “Do you want Mommy to come with us?”
The children’s eyes lit up, and they nodded fervently.
“I want that too, but that’ll have to depend on your performance.” Lucian raised his eyebrows in satisfaction.
