“She’s going to be fine,” Lucian said. Even he was at a loss for how to break the truth to the children. If Roxanne were conscious, she wouldn’t want the kids to worry about her.
Although he did not really answer the question, his answer confirmed what Estella said. The little ones vaguely guessed that something serious had happened to their mother.
Estella bowed her head, too disconsolate to talk. Benny was also upset, but because Roxanne had been the one who brought him up all this while, he was used to being strong.
“I’m sorry. If I’d put in the effort to pick up some medical knowledge from Mommy, I wouldn’t be so powerless to help now,” he uttered softly. blaming himself. At least Archie can help with finding the medicinal herbs. However, all I can do is sit here and wait.
When Lucian heard Benny reproach himself, he frowned and patted his head comfortingly. “Waiting here quietly like this is already the biggest help you can give Mommy and Daddy.”
Benny’s eyes reddened. Bowing his head in embarrassment, he said softly, “I wonder how Mommy’s doing. In any case, Archie is very capable. I’m sure he’ll be able to help Mommy.”
Lucian’s heart ached as he crouched down and hugged Benny. Roxanne is in critical condition, and the children are worried sick. Now, Benny is blaming himself. I really don’t know how else to comfort them.
Held in Lucian’s arms, Benny finally shed his strong front and revealed his vulnerable side. He rested his head against Lucian’s shoulder and secretly wiped his tears.
“I want Daddy to hug me too!” Estella rushed over to Lucian pitifully with reddened eyes and nose. She made for a heart-rending sight indeed.
Stretching out his other arm, he wrapped the little girl in a tight embrace. “Don’t be scared. I’m here. I won’t let anything happen to Mommy. You have my word.”
Leaning against him, the two children nodded while sobbing. The pair had been in tense spirits the past few days. Now, they could finally release their emotions and bawl their eyes out. The crying eventually exhausted them, and they fell asleep in Lucian’s arms.
Even though they were asleep, their tears kept flowing, and they would let out choked sobs from time to time. Lucian lifted a hand and carefully wiped away their tears.
“Roxanne will surely be fine,” Jonathan murmured. Even he, a grown man, could not help tearing up, and his voice sounded a little hoarse.
Lucian gave a slight nod, then raised his head abruptly to look at his friend. “Thank you for your help with this whole situation.”
Jonathan frowned and did not look too pleased. “How many times have I told you? We’re practically family. There’s no need to thank me. Moreover, Roxanne is my family’s benefactor, so I’m only doing what I should be by helping her.”
“If you hadn’t helped to find Old Mr. Lomax, I’m afraid there wouldn’t have been anyone else who could help Roxanne develop the antidote. And even if someone else were to do it, I wouldn’t be comfortable with it,” Lucian continued in a low voice as though he had not heard a word Jonathan said. Jonathan has been following Old Mr. Lomax around tirelessly ever since the latter got here.
Those words triggered a frown from Jonathan. “If Roxanne hadn’t saved my grandfather back then, he would’ve passed away already. Anyway, now isn’t the time to be talking about all that. Calm down, Lucian. Roxanne is going to be okay.”
Having grown up with Lucian, I understand him all too well. He wouldn’t be so easily affected if it wasn’t because he’s in extreme emotional turmoil.
