Chapter 329: You Have a Fiancรฉe
After a few seconds, Roxanne calmed herself and refused his offer of help. "Mr. Farwell," she said, "Benny's illness is none of your concern. I will care for my own children. You should spend more time with your fiancรฉe instead of inquiring about my sons. I saw Ms. Pearson earlier; she was seriously injured and needs constant attention."
Lucian's eyes grew grim.
Roxanne's heart pounded as their eyes met, but she couldn't decipher his thoughts. She sensed his displeasure, but she hadn't said anything untrue. Unperturbed, she held his gaze.
After a moment, Lucian calmed himself and patiently explained, "Aubree fractured her arm and has been hospitalized for a few days. She's fine and doesn't require my constant care. I asked about Benny because he's close to Essie. If she asks, I need to know what to say."
He used Estella as an excuse, noticing Roxanne and the boys' wary gazes. Otherwise, he doubted they'd be forthcoming. He pondered their current strained relationship, remembering Estella's past visits.
Roxanne's expression softened at the mention of Estella, yet something in Lucian's words still troubled her. His detailed knowledge of Aubree's injury implied he'd been at the hospital constantly.
Nevertheless, she gave Lucian a curt update on Benny's condition. "If Essie asks," she said coldly, "tell her he has a cold from swimming. It's nothing serious; he'll be fine with medication. That's all I'll share."
Lucian breathed a sigh of relief, glad Benny wasn't seriously ill. Strangely, despite their animosity, he felt a concern for Archie and Benny, as if he owed them something.
"Now that you know, you can tell Essie," Roxanne said. "If there's nothing else, we'll be going." She nodded and started to lead the boys past him.
As they passed, he asked, "Why the rush to avoid me?"
Roxanne stopped, tightening her grip on Archie and Benny. Lucian watched inquisitively.
She pursed her lips and replied indifferently, "Mr. Farwell, we're different. I have children, but I'm single. You're engaged. To avoid misunderstandings, you should avoid me. Since you don't seem to realize that, I must. I hope you understand."
Lucian swallowed, seemingly wanting to respond, but Roxanne's directness left him speechless.
Just as tension mounted, Benny broke the silence. "Mommy, my tummy hurts. I want to go home." He tugged at Roxanne's arm.
She bid Lucian farewell and left with her sons.
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