Chapter 1217
The following morning, Roxanne was already awake when Lucian stirred. Her brow furrowed as she removed the needles from herself.
Lucian glanced at his empty hand, then at her. In a hoarse voice, he asked, "When did you wake up? Why didn't you wake me?"
Roxanne, engrossed in her task, only registered his presence then. Hesitating briefly, she continued. "You seemed sound asleep. Besides, I feel better now, so I didn't want to disturb you." She didn't look at him.
Waking earlier, she'd initially felt as though seeing Lucian resting, hand clasped tightly in hers, had been a dream. But the memories of the previous night, the hazy recollections of half-sleep, quickly returned. It hadn't been a dream; Lucian had cared for her all night.
For a moment, Roxanne struggled to articulate her feelings. Then, seeing his furrowed brow and exhaustion, she couldn't bring herself to wake him. She carefully withdrew her hand unnoticed. He slept soundly, oblivious to her quiet movements.
Seizing the opportunity, Roxanne examined herself before performing acupuncture. She hadn't anticipated Lucian waking as she removed the final needle. His voice startled her.
"What are you doing?"
Rubbing his temples, he sat up, a frown creasing his face at the sight of her. Affecting calmness, Roxanne stared at the needle and withdrew it. "I checked myself and thought acupuncture might help detoxify my system."
Lucian looked at her gravely. "You're doing this yourself?" His concern startled her, but she smiled and turned. "These points aren't complex. I can manage. No need to worry, Mr. Farwell."
His already dark expression deepened. Mr. Farwell again? I cared for her all night. How can she still be so distant? Rage flared, but remembering her illness, he suppressed his anger and frustration.
A heavy silence fell. Roxanne sensed his shifting mood, puzzled but hesitant to question him. She lowered her head, putting away her needles.
After a moment, his deep voice broke the silence. "How do you feel now?" He assumed she'd performed acupuncture because she was unwell.
Unsure of his thoughts, she replied flatly, "Much better. The poison should be completely purged."
As she finished, her gaze, fixed on Lucian, wavered. She seemed to remember something.
He noticed the change. "What's wrong?"
Roxanne lowered her gaze, guilt evident, but tried to sound calm. "Nothing. I'm just a little worried about the children. How are they?"
She remembered Lucian bringing the children the day before. Seeing how ill I was, they must be worried. She vaguely recalled hearing their voices before falling asleep, and a soft voice that sounded like her deceased daughter.