Chapter 1399

Upon hearing Lucian's suggestion, Roxanne turned to him reflexively. It felt like they were a married couple planning a trip, yet they weren't, a consequence of her selfishness and anxieties. The boys still lacked a father figure. A look of remorse briefly crossed her face.

Lucian noticed the shift in her demeanor. “What’s wrong? Are you worried about the nursing home residents?” he asked.

She offered a strained smile. “It’s nothing. I was just thinking about the children and wondering how they’re doing.”

He reassured her, “We’re returning this afternoon. They’re resourceful; they’ll manage.”

Roxanne nodded.

Moments later, Lucian parked in the underground lot beneath the commercial district. They headed straight for the children’s department. Knowing their preferences, Roxanne quickly amassed a pile of toys and clothes.

They shopped until the afternoon. By then, her spirits had lifted. Checking her phone, she saw no calls from the doctors, confirming the nursing home situation was stable. She proceeded to pay.

As she reached for her phone, Lucian presented his card to the cashier. Startled, she protested, “I can pay.” The children's gifts totaled over ten thousand, and she wasn't comfortable letting him cover the cost.

He insisted, “Some are for Essie. Archie and Benny like me; I should give them something. I’m not good at choosing gifts, so I’ll pay for what you picked. Consider it our gift to them.”

Roxanne hesitated. The cashier chimed in, “Since you’re together, let him pay. We have a policy that the dad should.”

Her resolve wavered. She could afford the items, but the cashier’s words swayed her. She put away her phone and said, "I thank you on behalf of my children."

Lucian frowned, seemingly unhappy with her formal gratitude. He remained silent, however, gesturing for the cashier to process his card.

They left the mall laden with bags. Shortly after, regret welled up in Roxanne’s heart. She’d bought too much, especially for Archie and Benny. The two Lego spaceships were particularly cumbersome. Her pace slowed as she searched for a place to rest the bags.

“Wait here. I’ll take these to the car and come back,” Lucian offered.

Before she could respond, he hurried toward the parking lot, arms full of bags.