Chapter 1507

Roxanne's eyes held a hesitant question. "I want to know what you think of Archie and Benny," she asked. "Tell me honestly, did you only accept them because of me?"

Lucian replied without hesitation, "You know me. Except for Essie, I have little patience for children. But with Archie and Benny, it's different. I'm not sure if it's their blood, but I felt an immediate closeness to them."

Releasing her, he continued, "I was prepared to accept them from the moment I saw them. As I said in the announcement, I'll treat them as our children, no differently than Essie."

A wave of melancholy washed over Roxanne. He felt a closeness because they are my children, she thought; but in truth, they are his as well. Who knew blood ties could have such a profound effect? Lucian's actions toward Archie and Benny were proving his words. If Sonya genuinely accepted them, Roxanne would tell Lucian the truth—that Archie and Benny are their children.

Lucian, his arm around her waist, watched her expression change. He couldn't decipher her thoughts, but the firm yet gentle look in her eyes made his heart skip a beat. As he gently lifted his hand to her face, Roxanne leaned closer.

Sexual tension crackled between them as they drew near. Their lips were about to meet when a childish voice called from above.

"Mommy! You're back—"

Archie quickly covered Benny's mouth, silencing him mid-sentence. He then grabbed Benny's arm, attempting a stealthy retreat. But Roxanne heard them, instantly tensing.

Lucian frowned, attempting the kiss, but Roxanne turned at the last moment, receiving only a kiss on the cheek. She then pushed him away with a glare.

Looking up at the second-floor balcony, Lucian called to the retreating trio, "It's late. Why are you three still awake?"

Roxanne wanted to stop him, but it was too late. The children froze. After a shared glance, Benny stepped forward, waving.

"I didn't mean to stay up, Daddy! I just wanted to greet Mommy. I didn't know you two came back together!" He added, "I would have hidden if I'd known!"

Lucian, of course, wouldn't punish Benny. He simply wanted to subtly reveal the children's awareness of the situation to Roxanne.