Mommy promised to wear a dress like this only for Daddy. Does that mean Mommy has him in her heart? No, Mommy has always been thinking of Daddy. She was only forced to reject his proposal because of Grandma.
Archie’s and Benny’s smiles faded a little when they thought of that. A second later, they were swept off their feet into their father’s embrace.
The boys froze in surprise before catching sight of the ocean in the distance, and their faces lit up once more. With Roxanne leading Estella by the hand, the five of them sauntered along the beach.
Tired of being carried too long, the boys became so restless and bored that they struggled to free themselves from Lucian’s arms. Accommodating their wishes, Lucian placed them on the beach, and the children chased each other into the distance.
Feeling a little worried, Roxanne strode after. them. Lucian jogged along, but at the thought of something, he slowed to a stroll in their wake.
A twinkle appeared in Lucian’s eyes as he watched Roxanne play with the children. He fished out his phone and took some photos of them.
Remembering how much she enjoyed taking. pictures of the children the last time they went on vacation, he felt a responsibility to document the children’s growth.
Although she had never mentioned it, Lucian knew she would love to be in the children’s lives. However, there was never anybody else to take her place behind the camera, which resulted in her absence in the photographs.
Roxanne had barely spent any time with the children before she excused herself. As much as she wanted to continue playing with them, the activity caused her to bend over, drawing her already uncomfortable undergarments tighter around her skin.
She was worried that the delicates would wear themselves out if she kept going.
Blushing profusely, she removed herself from the children’s company with a shifty smile and said, “I’m a little tired. You guys play among yourselves.”
To her relief, the children did not ask any questions. They wanted their parents to spend some alone time together. “What’s wrong? Are you unwell?”
Lucian put aside his phone at her approach, alarmed by her peculiar expression.
His gaze did not so much as leave her figure when he was taking photographs earlier, and he noticed she would make an odd gesture now and then. After bending over, she would straighten up almost instinctively. It happened enough times to rouse his suspicion. I wonder if she’s feeling unwell. Roxanne’s cheeks turned even redder. “I’m fine…”
I can’t tell Lucian he bought me undersized underwear! Just the thought of it made Roxanne grimace with embarrassment. Frowning with worry, Lucian touched her forehead under the assumption of her being feverish but did not detect anything unusual.
“You’re not having a fever. What could it be?” Roxanne bit her lip, too embarrassed to speak. Lucian was really worried. “Let’s call it a day. We’ll stop by the hospital for a check-up.”
At those words, Roxanne looked at the children in the distance who were having the time of their lives. I wonder if it’s the feeling of security Lucian brings that makes the children appear much happier than they used to be.
She could not bear to spoil their mood, seeing as the children did not have many outings. Roxanne steeled herself to reject Lucian’s suggestion. “I’m not unwell. My clothes just aren’t the best fit to get physical in.”
Lucian merely fixed her with a penetrating gaze. “Where? Are they too loose?” Seizing the opportunity, Roxanne nodded.
His voice, carrying hints of displeasure, sounded a moment later. “It shouldn’t preclude you from playing with the children if it is loose fitting. I felt it when I hugged you earlier, and it fits you just fine.”
Roxanne’s cheeks grew redder than ever. She glared helplessly up at him. My words could not be clearer, yet he still doubts me. Does he want me to spell it out?
Noticing the fury in the woman’s gaze, Lucian gave her an inscrutable smile and leaned in close to her.
Before she could retreat, he was already in front of her. “Did I buy the undergarments in the wrong size?” he asked softly, sweeping his gaze over her bust.
Instinctively, Roxanne covered them with her hands. His low chuckle sounded again. “I bought this according to an order you placed six years ago, but I’d forgotten you bore children. My mistake.”
Roxanne felt her ears scorch. She turned her head silently away from his hot breath at her ear.
Lucian’s voice still found its mark. “I can’t take all the blame. After all, you never gave me a chance to take the measurements. I would remember it after measuring it once, and I won’t buy the wrong size again.”
Roxanne was outraged by his shameless. words. After six years apart, he has become more shameless. This isn’t the Lucian I know. Her heartbeat quickened in her consternation. She was so nervous that she dared not examine Lucian’s expression.
To her relief, he did not press her. Seeing her panic, he averted his gaze with a laugh and reached for his phone from his pocket. “Since you’re restricted from running. around, do you want to take a look at the pictures I took?”
Like a startled rabbit, Roxanne was looking around for a place to hide in embarrassment. As a result, she did not hear what he said. Lucian frowned slightly but remained patient with her. “The kids enjoy having you around.”
The resolve in Roxanne’s gaze wavered at the mention of the children. “Essie looks like you when she smiles. Here.”
Lucian scrolled through the photographs, making brief remarks about each while observing Roxanne’s expression. At every mention of the children, her gaze would shift over slightly. “Let me see.”
At last, Roxanne gave in to the temptation of seeing the photograph where Estella’s smile. resembled hers and leaned closer to Lucian. Basking in the satisfaction of gaining her trust, Lucian did not complicate matters for her any further and placed the phone in her hand.
Roxanne took it eagerly, fixing her eyes on the group photo with the children, and she felt al surge of gratitude. It was her first photograph with the three children.
More importantly, it was after learning that Estella was the baby whom she had thought died prematurely. “Thank you,” she said gratefully.
Looking at her trembling hands, Lucian pulled her into his arms. “If you want to thank me, then reconsider my proposal. I was lying to you. I can’t wait much longer. Six years is long enough. I don’t want to keep waiting.”
Roxanne lowered her head without answering. Her eyes brimmed with guilt. Having detected something in her silence, Lucian released her with a sigh and gave her a kind smile. “It’s all right. I can wait a little longer. Besides, I’m sure you wouldn’t bear to keep me waiting too long.”
Roxanne looked away, not knowing what to say. Meanwhile, having tired themselves out, the children came running over to the adults. “Mommy, what were you looking at earlier?”
Benny could tell that something was wrong between their parents, so he hurriedly tried to change the subject. Clutching Roxanne’s arm, he asked to see the phone in her hand.
Heaving a sigh of relief, she crouched beside him to show him the photographs.
Initially only intending to help his father out of the predicament, Benny was pleasantly surprised to learn how nice the photographs his father had taken looked and was momentarily mesmerized.
“Wow, Mommy! You and Essie look so much alike when you smile!” He found the photograph of his mother and sister smiling. “We’ve never noticed this!”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.