Chapter 713: The Man Sleeping Soundly
The children weren't much help in the kitchen, but their presence calmed Roxanne's turbulent emotions. After preparing dinner, she found Lucian asleep on the couch. He appeared weary, his head tilted, half-leaning against the cushions. Even in sleep, his elegance remained.
Roxanne gently hushed the children, directing their attention to their father. Archie and Benny exchanged bemused glances. Their father usually handled work matters whenever he had free time; today, however, he was fast asleep. Had work exhausted him?
The brothers looked to Estella, their confusion evident. Her smile faded as she saw Lucian, her eyes filling with worry. Meeting their gaze, she softly explained, "Daddy hasn't been sleeping well. He has insomnia, but still works long days. Things have been difficult."
Though Lucian hadn't mentioned his insomnia, Estella had overheard him speaking with Catalina. Learning of her father's sleeplessness had greatly worried her. Suddenly remembering something, she turned to Roxanne expectantly.
"Aren't you an impressive doctor, Ms. Jarvis? Can you please help Daddy?" Estella anxiously tugged at Roxanne's shirt. The girl's worry pained Roxanne.
Roxanne felt conflicted. "If his insomnia is physical, it's easily treated," she mused, "but physical contact is unavoidable." Remembering their afternoon playtime, she hesitated. Estella tugged her shirt again, her eyes pleading.
Roxanne relented. "Okay," she smiled, "We'll eat first, let your daddy sleep. After dinner, I'll check him over."
Estella nodded obediently. "Thank you, Ms. Jarvis." Roxanne smiled, stroking her head. They ate dinner quietly, mindful of Lucian's sleep.
The children watched Roxanne expectantly after dinner, eager for her to treat Lucian. Roxanne's exasperation grew. "Go play," she said, "I can't concentrate with you all watching."
Reluctantly, the children went outside, understanding they shouldn't hinder her. Roxanne sighed in relief. Treating insomnia didn't require intense concentration; she simply didn't want them witnessing any physical contact with Lucian, recalling their previous intimacy.
Only when the children's voices faded did Roxanne approach the couch, gazing down at the man sleeping soundly.