Chapter 949: Great Sense of Security

“I’ll brew the medicine,” Roxanne said, taking the herbs from him. As she started to leave the car, Estella instinctively clung tighter to her, even in her unconscious state. Sick and vulnerable, Estella instinctively sought the security Roxanne offered. Roxanne, noticing Estella’s movement, froze, but held the girl close. With Estella in one arm and the medicine in the other, she exited the car.

“Can you help me look after Benny, Mr. Farwell?” she asked, glancing at Benny, still in the car. Before Lucian could respond, Archie readily promised, “I’ll take good care of Benny!”

Roxanne smiled, then carried Estella toward the tent, where their equipment was stored. Lucian watched her go, his expression unreadable. A moment later, Benny’s voice caught his attention.

“Mommy…”

The pain was causing Benny to slip into unconsciousness, yet he called out as his mother left. He reached out towards where she’d been sitting, his hand grasping only air. He sniffled pitifully, clutching his stomach. His pained expression made Lucian frown. After a moment's hesitation, Lucian gently lifted Benny into his arms.

Benny instinctively reached for Lucian’s shirt. Seeing this reliance, Lucian’s heart softened. Archie watched enviously.

I also want to be hugged by Daddy like this…

With Benny nestled against him, Lucian glanced at the tent, where Roxanne was already preparing the medicine. “Let’s go over there,” he said to Archie.

Archie remained lost in thought, unresponsive. Thinking Archie worried about Benny, Lucian patted his head and took his hand. Archie, jolted back to reality by the touch, followed Lucian obediently.

Roxanne sat near the tent, holding Estella, who trembled slightly. Roxanne couldn’t tell if it was from pain or cold. Seeing Lucian approach with the boys, she stood, intending to find warmer clothing for Estella.

“Is the medicine ready?” Lucian asked.

“Another half hour,” Roxanne replied after a moment, her gaze falling on Benny. Her heart ached as she saw him gripping Lucian’s shirt. His reliance on Lucian spoke volumes. Does Benny miss having a father? she wondered.

The thought of revealing the truth to Lucian crossed her mind. Then, Benny's murmur broke the silence.

“Daddy…”

He tightened his grip on Lucian's shirt. It feels like Daddy’s embrace…

Benny, lost in the throes of pain, had no idea his unconscious mutter had delivered such a profound shock to the two adults.