Chapter 613

Roxanne sensed Archie and Benny's suspicion. Concealing her unease, she calmly led the children to the couch. After a week's rest at home, her leg injury had significantly improved, and she could walk unaided. Nonetheless, Lysa and the children fussed over her, insisting she rest for a couple more days.

As the three settled on the couch, the children's attention remained on the rejected flowers. "Mommy," they asked, "why didn't you accept the flowers?"

Roxanne, unprepared for their question, struggled for an answer. Noticing her hesitation, Archie inquired, "The delivery man didn't answer our question. What if he sent the flowers to the wrong house?"

Before she could respond, Archie hopped off the couch, glancing back at his mother before declaring, "I'll go check with the delivery man! What if he really sent them to the wrong house?" He started toward the door.

Frowning, Roxanne commanded, "Come back here, Archie!"

Ignoring her, he continued resolutely towards the door. Her son's defiance confirmed their suspicions that this wasn't the first time she'd received flowers. If we're going to have a new daddy, we need to know who he is!

Her sons' obstinacy sent a wave of panic through Roxanne. She desperately sought a distraction. A moment later, she winced, bending to cradle her injured leg. "Benny," she said, "help Mommy see if my wound reopened."

Her words startled the boys. Benny scrambled off the couch, carefully inspecting her wound, while Archie halted his progress toward the door and hurried back. They scrutinized the injury for a long time, giving Roxanne time to formulate a plan.

Finally, they raised their heads. "The wound didn't reopen," they said. "Does it still hurt, Mommy?"

Smiling reassuringly, Roxanne replied, "It doesn't hurt anymore. Maybe I accidentally touched it. Thank you, my darlings." Her ruse successfully diverted their attention.

Still smiling, she explained gently, "I was just worried the man at the door was a bad guy. You're still children, and I'm injured; I can't protect you if anything happens. It's safest to quickly close the door. If someone really sent those flowers, they'll call later."

Archie and Benny exchanged glances, finding her explanation plausible. Roxanne added, "Also, you shouldn't open the door to strangers. You gave me quite a fright! Do you understand?"

The boys nodded, still slightly uncertain, but replied, "Yes, Mommy. We'll be more careful. Sorry for scaring you."

Relieved, Roxanne felt she'd avoided a disaster. "It's fine," she said. "All that matters is that you're safe." She gently admonished them further before heading to freshen up.

Worried they might discover Lucian's identity as the mysterious gift-giver, Roxanne had leaped out of bed, hair still a mess. She was grateful she'd stopped them in time. A moment later, and the boys would have learned about Lucian's involvement—a revelation Roxanne dared not contemplate.