Chapter 955: Her Heart Lodged In Her Throat

Roxanne wasn't surprised by Lucian's statement. The culprit who poisoned the children's water had caused Estella immense suffering. Given Estella's importance to him, his determination to punish the perpetrator was expected. "Are you still unwilling to reconsider, even after this?" Lucian's abrupt question seemed out of context.

Roxanne, still preoccupied with the poisoning, was perplexed. Before she could reply, Lucian continued, "Benny called for his father while semi-conscious. If I recall correctly, the same thing happened before." He referenced the previous bacterial infection affecting Estella, Archie, and Benny; their initial itching, high fevers, and Benny's mumbled pleas for his father.

Roxanne's heart clenched. "He's lacked a father figure for so long; it's not unusual," she countered defensively, though guilt gnawed at her despite knowing Benny was likely sleep-talking. She suspected Lucian had discovered her secret.

But his next words stunned her. "Precisely. They crave a father, yet you deprive them." Lucian's meaningful gaze left no room for misinterpretation. He was indirectly offering to be Archie and Benny's father, seeking her opinion.

He'd asked this countless times, yet her panic remained. She glanced at him briefly before averting her gaze. "It's not solely my decision. I'll respect their wishes," she said, feigning composure as she rose. "I'm tired; I'll rest." She fled back into the tent, avoiding him.

Lucian watched her go, his gaze unreadable. He knew she was avoiding him, anticipated her reaction, yet her evasion still frustrated him. He wondered how much longer their cat-and-mouse game could continue.

Back in the tent, Roxanne carefully checked on the children, ensuring she hadn't woken them before settling down, though sleep eluded her. She replayed her awkward excuse to avoid Lucian, realizing the absurdity of her leaving and then returning to the tent for the same reason. She imagined Lucian had figured it out and wondered what he thought. The possibility of him entering the tent made her heart race. Surprisingly, he didn't. Finally, drowsiness overcame her, and she fell asleep.