Chapter 1705: Almost Lose Them

Guilt surged within Roxanne as she caught the children's worried gazes. She silently averted her own.

“I had your dad bring you here because I didn’t want you to continue worrying about me. Now that you see I’m fine, you can be assured of my well-being. I’ll worry about your health again if you catch my cold.”

Despite her explanation, Benny remained unwilling to leave.

Archie conceded, saying, “We’ll head back then. Take good care of yourself, Mommy.”

Hearing their brother, Benny and Estella, though reluctant, couldn't voice their disagreement.

Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief at their concession, nodding with a smile. “Got it. I’ll take good care of myself so that I can go home to you as soon as I can.”

“You must pick up our call!” Archie demanded, a grim look on his face.

Roxanne knew the children were distraught over the lack of contact during the past two days. Her guilt intensified, so she agreed to Archie's demand.

With her promise, the children finally relented, reluctantly releasing Roxanne's hand. Roxanne, unable to meet their gazes, quickly turned to Lucian. “Lucian, you can send them back now.” She feared tears would well up if she continued to look at them.

Guilt overwhelmed her; she should have stayed by their side, seeing how upset they were. However, she couldn't be discharged from the hospital, so she could only have Lucian care for them in her stead.

Fear gripped Lucian as he watched the children with Roxanne. He recalled how close she had come to losing them. He quickly dismissed the thought, composing himself at Roxanne's cue. He nodded at the children and promised, “I’ll take good care of your mother. Going back obediently is the biggest help you can give to your mommy and me.”

He approached the children, patting their heads before bending down and lifting Estella into his arms. He extended his free hand to Archie and Benny. Benny took his hand, tears still flowing, while Archie held his brother’s.

The children cast a longing glance over their shoulders at Roxanne. Roxanne waved, smiling, though tears pricked her eyes. It had been a close call; she could have lost them.

Watching Lucian and the children leave, Roxanne's gaze hardened with determination. She would do everything she could to recover, for the children's sake. They finally had a complete family after so much hardship; she would never let their situation revert to the past.

Meanwhile, Lucian closed the backseat door after the children were settled. He entered the driver's seat and drove away from the hospital towards the manor.

On the way, the children cried incessantly. The atmosphere in the car was heavy. Lucian’s heart ached as he saw their red, puffy eyes in the rearview mirror.

“I promise you I’ll take good care of your mommy,” he vowed.

Benny sniffled before sobbing, “I trust you, Daddy. Every time Mommy got sick, you took good care of her.”

He continued, “When Mommy was sick before, Daddy stayed by her side, and she always got better. I’m sure this time is no different.”

Guilt gnawed at Lucian’s stomach at Benny’s trust. A faint smile touched his lips as he replied, “That’s for sure.”

If they knew they almost lost Roxanne because of me… would they still trust me like this?

The children remained oblivious to his thoughts, simply pleading with him to care for their mother. Lucian agreed, his heart heavy.

When the children's cries subsided, Lucian glanced again at the rearview mirror. Exhaustion finally overcame them; Benny and Estella were fast asleep, their heads resting against each other.