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!”
Having also just seen that photograph, Roxanne felt emotional. Estella leaned closer curiously to Benny and gazed at the photograph. A moment later, she arrived at a verdict. “Mommy is pretty!”
Benny’s cheeks puffed with pride. “Of course. Mr. Farwell took it! He has never taken a bad picture of Mommy!” He then turned around and pretended to comfort his sister. “You are still young. When you grow up, you will be as pretty as Mommy!”
Estella turned to Roxanne beside her at those words. At the thought of how beautiful she would be in a few years, she smiled so broadly. that her eyes turned to slits.
Roxanne caressed the children’s heads as she said to Lucian, “The children must be hungry. Let’s call it a day and find someplace to eat.” Then, she turned and sought the children’s opinion.
Starving, the children nodded eagerly at the question. Lucian announced promptly, “I’ve booked a restaurant. Let’s go.” The family got into the car. The three children squeezed behind while Roxanne sat in the passenger seat. “What is this?”
The children noticed the box which contained the undergarments and gazed curiously at the adults. With a jolt, Roxanne remembered that she had forgotten to put the box back after changing her underwear.
Confronted by the children’s questions, she was at a nervous loss for words. “It’s a box for clothes. Toss it into the trunk for me, will you?” Lucian’s nonchalant voice sounded beside her..
The children obliged and tossed the box to the trunk. Roxanne heaved a massive sigh of relief. She gazed up at the man beside her with the intention of thanking him.
Instead, she met his mischievous gaze. Roxanne froze when their eyes met and flushed crimson. “Thank you,” she mumbled her gratitude and turned away, trying hard to calm her pounding heart.
