Chapter 1196

It was late. Roxanne assumed Lucian wouldn't return after putting the children to bed, so she lay in bed, letting her thoughts wander. She believed she had stopped loving him. However, the specialists' opinions, the children's concerns, and a faint memory of Lucian's voice from her unconsciousness stirred a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. What did Lucian think of her? The mere thought sent a wave of overwhelming feelings crashing over her.

"A penny for your thoughts," Lucian's voice startled her.

Roxanne quickly composed herself. She'd been so lost in thought, she hadn't even noticed him enter.

"The specialists said you mustn't get emotional," Lucian said, his voice calmer than before, offering a sense of security. "If it's unimportant, you should stop overthinking."

It took a moment for Roxanne to regain her composure. "W-Why did you come back? It's late..." she blurted out.

Lucian replied honestly, "You've just regained consciousness and need someone. I can't leave you alone."

Roxanne's eyes widened. She could hardly believe her ears. Did Lucian understand the significance of his words? Uncertain of his intentions, she avoided further questions. "I'm feeling better now," she said. "Mr. Farwell, you must be exhausted. You should rest."

His bloodshot eyes betrayed his fatigue. To her surprise, he pulled up a chair and sat beside her bed.

Roxanne frowned. "I'm fine, really. You don't need to stay."

Lucian remained unmoved. "I don't trust you anymore."

Before Roxanne could protest, he declared, "I had to end a crucial meeting because of your fainting spell. I need to attend to it now. If you feel guilty, be quiet and rest instead of distracting me." He focused on his phone, avoiding eye contact.

Roxanne swallowed her words, a fresh wave of conflicting emotions washing over her. The dim room light allowed her to rest, obscuring his expression. She watched his slender fingers glide across the screen. Assuming he was busy, she sheepishly looked away, closing her eyes and trying to sleep.

Even with her eyes closed, the image of an exhausted Lucian lingered. She wondered what he'd said to her while she was unconscious. She remembered him speaking for a long time, his tone unlike his usual self.

Meanwhile, Aubree remained at the Farwell residence late into the night, refusing to leave. Finally, Catalina urged her to go home, explaining that Lucian wasn't returning. Aubree, her expression grim, checked her watch and departed. Immediately, she texted Cory to find out Roxanne's whereabouts, fearing Lucian might be with her, given his late absence from home.