Chapter 147: Heartache

Lucian assumed Roxanne's anger stemmed from the children's distress. He offered an apologetic, "I didn't know that before. Now that I do, I won't mention it again in front of them."

Glancing at the children playing with Lego, Roxanne realized how close Lucian had come to discussing their father. Having nothing more to say, she subtly suggested he leave. "It's getting late, Mr. Farwell. Why don't you head home? Thank you for picking up the children."

After a brief hesitation, Lucian nodded and left.

The drive home was unsettling, though he couldn't pinpoint why. Upon arriving, he frustratedly removed his tie and sat on the couch, the unease persisting. He eventually poured a glass of wine and sat by the window, drinking alone.

After two glasses, the events of dinner resurfaced. He remembered the children's angry yet pitiful looks as they demanded to know why he disliked them. Their faces and tone pierced his heart.

After Lucian's departure, Roxanne played with the children before putting them to bed. After tucking Estella in, she knocked on the boys' door. They were still disturbed by the evening's events and unable to sleep.

Archie opened the door and asked, "Mommy, what is it?"

Roxanne tousled his hair. "I want to talk to you both. Let's go inside."

Archie climbed back into bed, looking adorable in his cow-print pajamas, his loose bangs falling over his eyes.

Roxanne's heart softened as she closed the door and sat beside them. She asked softly, "Did Mr. Farwell ask you about your daddy during dinner?"

The boys nodded. Archie added in a squeaky voice, "We told him we don't have a daddy, and that we dislike our daddy."

Roxanne's heart clenched. She sensed sadness in Archie's tone. She had kept their family origins from them, telling them they didn't have a father. But if I tell them the man they had dinner with is their father, how will they react?

After a pause, she asked, "Boys, do you feel different from other children? Have you ever wished you had a daddy?"

The boys shook their heads. "No."

Roxanne frowned. But they are clearly saddened by tonight's events. Holding her arms, they looked serious. "Even though we don't have a daddy, we have you, and you're the best mommy in the whole wide world! No one compares, so we're the envy of all our friends!"

Benny gave her an earnest look. "Even though Essie has a daddy, she still prefers you. We don't need a daddy at all!"

Roxanne was both touched and heartbroken. Hugging them tightly, she remained silent for a long time.