Chapter 1706: Sick For A While

Lucian glanced at the passenger seat, meeting Archie's wide-awake eyes. Shocked, he questioned, "You're still awake?" He'd thought they had all fallen asleep.

Archie's eyes were red and puffy, yet his expression remained solemn. "Daddy, Mommy has been sick for many days, right?"

Lucian's expression tightened. He wasn't sure whether to tell his son the truth. Archie was the most mature of the three; explaining the situation to him first seemed the best approach if he chose to be honest. However, they had been crying just a short while ago; it didn't feel like the right time.

After a few minutes of silence, Lucian decided against it. "No, that's not it. Don't worry. Your mother just has a cold and a fever. She'll be better soon."

Immediately, Archie asked, "But Mommy never went on such a long business trip before."

Lucian's expression remained steady. "That's because she was worried no one would take care of you, your brother, and your sister if she was gone too long. Now that you have me, she can rest easier."

A look of concentration settled on Archie's face. He was right. Mommy wouldn't have gone on long business trips before because she knew they would be waiting for her at home. Now that they were living with Daddy, Mommy could be more at ease. But… something still felt amiss.

Lucian gazed ahead, occasionally glancing in the rearview mirror to check on the children. He wrestled internally with the decision of whether to tell them the truth.

Suddenly, Archie's voice broke the silence. He muttered, frowning, "Our hearts felt heavy the last time Mommy fainted. It's the same this time." He added, "We shouldn't feel that way if Mommy only has a cold and fever. Besides, we felt it a few days ago. I'm sure Mommy's condition is more serious."

However, noticing his father's evasion, and being the thoughtful child he was, Archie didn't press further. "No matter what's wrong with Mommy, I trust you'll take good care of her while you're there. We have faith in you, Daddy." His words echoed Benny's earlier sentiments. He continued, "When Mommy was sick before, she always got better under Daddy's care. I trust this time will be no different."

Lucian was speechless at Archie's unwavering trust.

Archie didn't seem to mind Lucian's silence. "Daddy," he said, "all you have to focus on is caring for Mommy. Leave Benny and Essie to me! I'll watch over them! You can't let anything happen to Mommy, okay?" His voice cracked.

Lucian glimpsed at the rearview mirror again, seeing unshed tears in the corner of Archie's eyes. His heart ached.

"Got it," Lucian said. "I won't let anything happen to your mother. I'll protect her even if I have to give up my life."

Archie shook his head vehemently. "No! I want both Daddy and Mommy to be safe and sound! We want Mommy to come back, but Daddy, you can't leave us too!"

Lucian's heart was moved. "All right," he comforted, "I'll come back with your mother. Don't be scared."

Archie finally nodded, tears streaming down his face.

Lucian took them back to the Manor. When the children woke up, they were still subdued. Worried, he watched them wash and return to their rooms before leaving the house.