Chapter 291: Tell Me Why

Estella meticulously applied medicine to Roxanne's wound. Beside them, Lucian said, "After I dressed her wound last night, she wanted to bring the medicine to you. I stopped her, otherwise she would have come then."

Roxanne was touched by the little girl's gesture. Glancing at Estella, who was bandaging her wrist, she said gratefully, "Thank you, Essie."

Estella smiled faintly.

Archie and Benny watched, about to speak, but Lucian's stern voice silenced them. They frowned in displeasure. [Remove the website promotion]

They had been worried sick after Estella's disappearance yesterday, but hadn't dared express their feelings to Lucian. Now that Estella was safe, they felt his actions had contributed to her disappearance. He knew Essie hated that woman, yet he allowed her near Essie! Mommy hadn't brought Essie because of that woman, who had also bullied Mommy before! It was all his fault. This fueled their unfriendly attitude toward Lucian.

Sensing the tense atmosphere, Lucian saw the boys glaring at him. They pouted when he looked at them. "Mr. Farwell," Archie said, "you brought Essie to deliver the medicine. The medicine is here, and Essie applied it. Are we done here?"

Lucian grunted noncommittally, his brows furrowed.

"Please leave!" Archie and Benny demanded, looking up at the taller Lucian. Despite their age, their demeanor was intimidating.

This was the first time the children had told him to leave. His eyebrows twitched, but he remained silent.

Roxanne, sensing their hostility—even more intense than usual—said, "Archie, Benny, be polite."

"We were polite! We said 'please'," they huffed.

Roxanne's head throbbed; she hadn't anticipated their retort.

Lucian asked, "Are you asking me to leave?"

Archie and Benny nodded vehemently.

Instead of anger, Lucian patiently asked, "May I know why?"

The boys were surprised by his calm demeanor. After a shared glance, Archie explained, "You're marrying another woman soon. Spending too much time with Mommy might cause misunderstandings. We don't want Mommy to suffer."

Silence filled the living room. Lucian looked from Archie and Benny to Roxanne, who sat on the couch.

Something must have happened that I don't know about. Did Aubree cause trouble? Why are the boys so upset about my marriage? he thought.

Roxanne looked down, hiding her anxiety under his gaze. She couldn't understand Archie and Benny's intense resentment toward Lucian—a reaction stronger than her own when she learned about his marriage to Aubree.

Is it because he's their father? Is that why this matters so much to them?

[Next Chapter]