Chapter 1283

In the end, reassured by Roxanne, the woman accepted the money and deleted Lucian’s WhatsApp in her presence. Lucian raised an eyebrow but remained silent. It wasn't until they were on the roller coaster that Roxanne realized the woman had been worried about her reaction to the WhatsApp deletion.

Lost in thought, Roxanne barely registered the staff fastening their seatbelts and performing a final check. The roller coaster lurched into motion.

"Good luck, Mommy!" "Good luck, Ms. Jarvis!"

The children's excited shouts echoed from outside the fence. Roxanne smiled at them, slowly relaxing. As the coaster climbed the steep incline, gaining speed, fear began to grip her. They were seated in the front row, the screams and shouts of those behind them deafening. Roxanne's throat tightened, her breath catching.

Just as she felt she might suffocate, Lucian reached over and took her hand, his grip firm. His presence calmed her; she breathed steadily, her fear receding. Instinctively, she looked at him. The people behind them screamed, some cursing, yet Lucian remained impassive, his calm so complete that, were it not for the subtle rise and fall of his chest, Roxanne might have thought him a statue.

His composure amused her. She laughed, then joined in the excited screams of the others, surrendering to the thrill of the ride. Lucian loosened his hold on her hand, a slow smile spreading across his lips as he listened to her unrestrained cries.

When the coaster shuddered to a halt, Roxanne was breathless from screaming. Standing, her vision momentarily blacked out, and she nearly stumbled. Lucian caught her just in time, steadying her as they walked from the fenced area toward their waiting children.

The children rushed to them, their concern evident. "Mommy, are you okay?"

Roxanne took a few deep breaths, smiled, and nodded. "I'm fine." She then glanced at the still-expressionless Lucian and chuckled. "I want to go again!"

The children, misinterpreting her laughter, assumed the ride had been wonderful.

Benny clenched his fists. "When I grow up, I'll ride the roller coaster tons of times!"

Archie, holding Benny's hand, agreed. "I'll go with you!"

Estella chimed in, "Me too!"

Archie and Benny replied in unison, "Sure, but you have to sit in the back!"

Their excited chatter filled the air. Roxanne smiled at their innocence. Lucian glanced at the children, then at Roxanne. Despite her assurances, her pallor and slight discomfort betrayed her.

"I'll get us some drinks," he said, his voice low. "Don't go anywhere."

The children nodded obediently. Roxanne did the same, unconsciously. Only after Lucian left did she realize he'd treated her like a child. The realization made her laugh. The children, though unable to understand her amusement, mirrored her grin, their laughter blending with hers as they continued to talk about the roller coaster.