Chapter 1372

“You’ve gotten it wrong…” Roxanne looked away from Lucian and tried to explain to the owner.

The owner flatly rejected her explanation. “It’s impossible. I saw the two of you holding hands when you walked in. To be honest, you both are quite attractive. I’ve noticed you since you arrived on our street!” He tapped Roxanne’s suitcase. “This belongs to you, right? I saw this man taking it from you! He acted as though he had done this many times.”

He then recounted their entire interaction. The restaurant patrons had already been eyeing Roxanne and Lucian upon their arrival; the owner’s words only intensified their scrutiny. Some even asked, “Are you guys celebrities here to film something?”

Knowing she couldn’t change the owner’s mind, Roxanne exasperatedly explained, “We’re not celebrities. We were passing by, and our car broke down.”

The owner finally fell silent. Relieved, Roxanne quickly ordered, “I’ll have squid ink pasta and a salad, please.” She glanced at Lucian, apprehensive about his reaction to the simple fare.

Lucian turned to the owner. “I’ll have the same.”

The owner nodded and left to prepare their food. Lucian swept his gaze across the curious onlookers, who quickly averted their eyes.

“They don’t have any ill intentions. Don’t mind them,” Roxanne advised, a touch helplessly.

Lucian turned back to her, his gaze dark. “Have you been here before?” He sensed her familiarity with this place.

Roxanne was startled, but quickly chuckled. “Not exactly, but I’ve experienced something similar. When I first went overseas, I accompanied Professor Lambert on various medical consultations. We often trekked up mountains to gather herbs, quite an adventure!”

That explained her comfort and lack of disgust with the town. Lucian’s eyes darkened further at her answer. He hadn’t expected she’d been to places far worse than this.

She’s been through so much in the past six years. If I hadn’t acted that way, would she still be with me? Would she have avoided all those difficulties and struggles?

Knowing his guilt, Roxanne said solemnly, “I wanted to do those things because they were meaningful. I didn’t feel tired, so please don’t misunderstand.” She continued, "Professor Lambert gave me a choice: remain in the lab or venture out. I chose to explore, and I wouldn't trade that decision. Those trips gave me invaluable knowledge and memories I'll cherish forever. Staying in the lab would have meant missing out on so much."

Lucian’s expression remained somber. Roxanne offered him utensils. “I know you’re used to expensive restaurants, but I’m sure you’ve never tasted anything quite like this,” she said encouragingly. “It’s really quite delicious.” She began eating.

A wave of guilt washed over Lucian as he watched her, completely at ease. It wasn’t the environment that bothered him; he simply felt she deserved better. He was utterly unaware of the hardships she’d endured over the past six years.