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Novel Catalog
Chapter 57
The boys immediately tensed when Lucian mentioned their mother.
“Why are you asking about her?” Archie demanded, his eyes narrowing at the man. Though his small frame lacked physical strength, he still managed to project a fierce energy, a protective instinct for his family.
Lucian noticed their wariness, his amusement flickering for a moment. He didn’t let their tension bother him, though. “Well, you’ve looked after Essie twice now, so it’s only natural I should thank your mother,” he replied casually, his tone steady.
Archie’s expression remained stiff, though his mind raced. Does he think he can just waltz in here and thank Mommy like he has any right to? He sighed internally but kept his words sharp. “There’s no need for that. Mommy’s on a call. She doesn’t need your thanks anyway.”
With that, Archie motioned for Benny to join him back at the carpet, then turned his attention to Estella. “Your daddy’s here now. You should go with him. My mommy will be leaving for work soon and won’t have time to keep you company anymore.”
Estella, who had been basking in the warmth of the boys’ support, suddenly seemed to deflate. She didn’t want to leave, but the reality of Roxanne’s work schedule hit her. After a moment of hesitation, she nodded reluctantly.
Archie, who had been hyper-aware ever since Lucian mentioned their mother, felt his protective instincts flare up. I don’t want him seeing Mommy, he thought, his expression hardening. He quickly moved to gather the Lego pieces, ensuring the boys didn’t get distracted.
Lucian observed the children silently, the oddness of the situation gnawing at him. They’re all about the same height… same age too. If they’re in the same kindergarten class…
He glanced from the boys to Estella, then to the timeline in his mind. Even if Roxanne had the twins right after Essie and got divorced… the boys shouldn’t be this close in age to Estella. Could it be that the boys develop faster because they’re boys?
The questions swirled in his mind, but no answers came. He shifted his focus, scanning the room with increasing curiosity.
This was a rented space, but it was clear that Roxanne had put in significant effort to make it feel like a home. Neat, cozy—everything had its place. Yet, as Lucian’s gaze fell on the photographs adorning the walls, a strange sense of discomfort settled over him.
Each frame showcased the same trio—Roxanne and the two boys—beaming in every picture. They looked like a perfect family. But what disturbed him was the glaring absence of the boys’ father.
No sign of the father in any of these. He frowned. Was he the one taking these pictures? But that doesn’t make sense. Why isn’t he in a single one?
Lucian was deep in thought when a sudden rush of footsteps on the stairs startled him, pulling him back to reality.
He quickly set the frame back in place, trying to mask his unease.
A flustered Roxanne appeared at the bottom of the stairs, her face pale with worry. Her breath came in quick bursts as she scanned the room, her eyes landing on Lucian. Her frantic energy made Lucian’s own heart rate quicken as he took in her expression.
“Roxanne?” he asked, his voice softened by genuine concern.
