Chapter 1523

Roxanne frowned, unconvinced. “I’m not prepared for this…”

Lucian pulled her close. “You don’t need to prepare. I’ll take good care of you and the children.” He sealed her lips with his, preventing her refusal.

After a long while, Roxanne, eyes watery, struggled free, gasping for breath. “I don’t know what you have in mind, but I still think…”

Lucian’s gaze darkened. A hint of displeasure flickered within him, sensing her continued reservations. He maintained a solemn expression, however.

“I don’t want to make things difficult, but the children yearn to see you—even in their dreams. Aubree hasn’t been caught, so I can’t feel safe leaving you here alone.” He lied; Roxanne knew nothing of Aubree’s escape.

She hesitated, the children weighing heavily on her mind. They miss me. I long to see them too. But Sonya’s disapproval loomed large. Moving in would likely result in immediate expulsion.

Roxanne stepped back, shaking her head. “Let’s forget it. Or, the children can stay with me. I’ll spend as much time as possible with them.”

“I know your concerns,” he said, his gaze intense. “Since I’ve decided you’ll stay with me, I won’t let you or the children suffer. Just trust me.”

Roxanne’s eyes glinted, recalling Sonya’s disdainful glances. Yet, Lucian had defended her. Touched by his gesture, she softened.

He grasped her arm, whispering, “Will you trust me?”

Her doubt faded, replaced by a growing smile. “We’ll do as you say.” This day will come, sooner or later. Perhaps only by living at the Farwell residence and interacting with Sonya can I change her perception of us.

Seeing her trust, Lucian gently kissed her eyes.

Feeling uneasy about their impending cohabitation, she pulled away, forcing calm. “It’s late. Let’s pack.”

He sensed her nervousness and paused.

They worked together, quickly packing her belongings. Downstairs, the children had neatly packed their toys, but struggled to close the overflowing box.

Their flushed faces pleaded silently as the couple descended.

Roxanne started forward, but Lucian swiftly closed the box effortlessly. The children cheered, joyfully propping up their box and clumsily pushing a large suitcase toward the exit.

Roxanne’s heart swelled at their joyful demeanor. Before she knew it, Lucian was beside her, taking the suitcase. “Let’s go.”