Chapter 703

Lucian's eyes dimmed slightly. Pursing his lips, he said nothing but tacitly acknowledged the chubby boy's words. As his chattering friend rambled on beside him, Lucian happened to glance up and caught sight of a familiar figure ahead. He froze, instinctively halting mid-step to look again. Ariana stood there, gazing at him with a radiant smile. Lucian stood dumbfounded for a long moment before joy and excitement flashed across his face. He dashed forward and threw his arms around Ariana, hugging her tightly. "Mom! You're back!" The chubby boy trailing behind was equally stunned to see Lucian's mother discharged from the hospital and waiting for him. He had secretly overheard his own mother gossiping during afternoon tea—something about Lucian's mom being gravely ill. He'd even prepared words of comfort, but now, seeing her standing there healthy and smiling, he was utterly confused. Ariana ruffled her son's hair affectionately. "Yes, I'm home." Lucian grinned like an overjoyed fool, n