Chapter 710 Hugging Her
Roxanne could clearly hear the children’s voices. Unbidden, a strange feeling rose within her. However, it was soon engulfed by a wave of guilt.
Just half an hour ago, she had a falling out with the man beside her. And now, she lost her balance and fell into Lucian’s arms when they were merely playing a game with the children.
To anyone else, however, her actions might very well seem deliberate. Only she herself knew that it was truly an accident on her part. But if I were to clarify things now, I’d only make myself look all the more suspicious…
She rested in the man’s embrace stiffly, her emotions a jumbled mess. On the contrary, Estella was still immersed in the game. She emphatically ordered, “Everyone isn’t to move!”
Archie and Benny immediately answered in the affirmative. Upon receiving no response from the two adults, Estella stared at them with feigned sternness, her expression solemn.
“Got it.” Lucian’s deep voice sounded beside her ears. A flash of surprise flitted across Roxanne’s eyes. If I were to listen to Essie and remain still, I’d have to continue staying in his arms… Worse still, the kids’ gazes have been fixated on us ever since…
At that thought, a sense of aversion welled within her. She tried to break free from Lucian’s arms, but the arm encircling her tightened instead.
“Essie is still awaiting your reply,” Lucian reminded in a low voice beside her ear. Hearing that, Roxanne once again went stiff. She could almost sense Estella’s tangible gaze on her.
Although she couldn’t quite see the little girl’s countenance from her angle, she could imagine her pitiful expression. Ultimately, she relented and murmured, “Okay.”
Seeing that both the adults had agreed, all three children wore expressions of sheer delight. As Lucian hugged Roxanne, he dipped his eyes and stole a peek at the children’s expressions. Without fail, he clocked the fleeting glee on their faces.
Realizing their true motive in suggesting the game, he felt touched yet amused. Still, he obligingly held the woman in his arms without moving a muscle.
At the sight of her amenability, he couldn’t help chuckling lowly. Roxanne promptly went tense when she distinctly heard his laughter. She lifted her eyes and glanced at the man.
The smile on his face hadn’t faded completely. When their eyes met, there was still a hint of tenderness in his eyes. She was initially irked, but upon beholding his charming smile, she swiftly plunged into a trance.
This is the first time I’ve seen him smile like that…
The two of them gazed at each other for an indeterminate time before she abruptly snapped back to reality. In hindsight, she realized that Estella seemingly hadn’t turned around even after such a long time had passed.
Following that realization, her brows furrowed slightly. In a soft voice, she stated, “I’m a bit tired, so I’m not playing anymore.” After saying that, she broke free from Lucian’s embrace, whirled around, and went upstairs.
The children watched her leave and exchanged guilty glances, aware that they were seemingly too deliberate that Roxanne noticed something amiss.
Likewise, a frown marred Lucian’s countenance. Exasperation was written clear in his eyes. It looks like she’s still unwilling to forgive me.
Estella was the first to gather her wits. Lifting her hand to point at her father, she announced in a soft voice, “Daddy, you’re out!” Inclining his head nonchalantly, Lucian took a step back and extracted himself from between Archie and Benny.
