Having heard Lucian’s words, the frowning Roxanne felt a strong sense of resistance within her.Lucian’s deep voice rang out again. “If we don’t rehearse it, please don’t accuse me of taking advantage of you when I kiss you by mistake.”In that moment, Roxanne couldn’t believe her ears.Nevertheless, she did find the scenario Lucian had conjured up to be entirely possible.“Besides, neither of us are actors by profession. If we don’t practice, how would we know where we should stand to make the kiss realistic?” Lucian, who could sense her wavering, pressed on calmly, causing her to feel ambivalent about the matter.She admitted that he had a point. However, given that the anniversary celebration was still a few days away, she would have to be in close proximity to him for consecutive days if they were to rehearse the scene.In the midst of her hesitation, Estella’s squeaky voice piped up, “Why are we rehearsing everything but this scene?”She proceeded to give Roxanne a quizzical yet
After several days of rehearsal, it was finally Friday.When Roxanne went to pick the little ones up in the evening, she saw the children carrying a pile of clothes in their arms. Excitement was written all over their faces.“Look, Mommy! These are our costumes!” Benny showed her the costumes as Roxanne walked toward him.Roxanne nodded gently in response and took over the outfits from the boys.Meanwhile, Estella was also waiting at one side while carrying two pairs of costumes—one for her and one for Lucian.Estella had always been physically weak. That was why she seemed to have difficulties carrying the costumes and a bag on her back.Once Roxanne took over the costumes from Benny and Archie, the boys ran to her and helped her with the clothes.Estella gratefully pa*sed the garments to the boys and thanked them.The three children then lined up in front of Roxanne, waiting for her to lead them to the car.In the last couple of days, Roxanne would always take them back together. Es
Estella was going to say something else, but Roxanne interrupted her, “It’s late. We have to get up early tomorrow. Let’s hurry up and wash up and go to bed.”It was obvious that Roxanne didn’t want to continue with the topic.Estella’s eyes turned dark, but she listened to Roxanne obediently and said nothing else.She slept with Roxanne. As she rarely had the chance to sleep with Roxanne, she slept soundly that night.Roxanne, however, couldn’t help but recall Estella’s innocent question.What did Lucian do wrong?There was only one answer that she could think of to that question. Other than the fact that he didn’t like her, he didn’t seem to have done anything else to hurt her.However, that alone was enough to make Roxanne keep a distance from him.Besides, Sonya and Aubree had also been keeping an eye on her.Roxanne did not sleep well that night as thoughts flooded her mind, and she woke up very early the next day.Meanwhile, Estella was still snuggled next to Roxanne, sleeping s
Chloe, who was holding onto Ca*sandra’s hand, suddenly saw that Archie and Benny were eating something. She asked curiously, “Archie, Benny, what are you two eating?”“Candy.” Archie and Benny opened their mouths to show her.After that, they touched their pockets and looked at Chloe apologetically. “We’ve finished ours. Otherwise, we could have shared two with you.”The disappointment was written all over Chloe’s face when she heard that.Roxanne’s heart softened when she saw how sad Chloe looked. She remembered the candies inside Estella’s pocket and called out to Estella, “Essie, can you give two candies to Chloe?”Estella turned at the sound of Roxanne’s voice and nodded, trying to take a few candies from her pocket.However, as she was being carried by Lucian, she couldn’t move her hands much. Besides, the pocket of the witch costume was deep. After trying for a long time and still couldn’t reach the candies, she looked at Lucian for help.Lucian did not seem to notice Estella’s
It was dimly lit below the stage.Lucian could feel the children smiling beside him. Feeling curious, he gazed in their direction. The three children were whispering to each other about who-knows-what with secretive looks on their faces. Every so often, they would cover their mouths to muffle out their soft giggles.From beside them, Roxanne was looking at the children with a gentle smile on her face.It was quite a tender moment.However, the moment her eyes met Lucian’s, her loving smile turned stiff ever so slightly.Roxanne lowered her gaze and composed herself before turning her face away so that Lucian could only see her side profile.Lucian’s gaze darkened. With his brows knitted tightly together, he, too, turned his gaze away.They were the last ones to perform.When the second-last performance was about to come to an end, Lucian and Roxanne directed the children backstage and got ready to perform.They had thought the children would feel at least a little nervous, as it was t
Lucian stood behind Roxanne and stared at her silhouette for a long time.What is she thinking about? She didn’t even notice I was here. She didn’t even move an inch the entire time I was here.After a long while, Lucian raised his feet at walked toward her with a frown on his face.Only when a shadow cast on her did Roxanne realize that she was not alone. Snapping out of her daze, Roxanne lifted her head to look at the person standing in front of her.As their gazes met, Roxanne immediately knitted her brows and stood up with solemn guardedness. She took a few steps back, increasing the distance between them.“What are you thinking about, Ms. Jarvis? Why did you leave Archie and Benny behind and come out here alone?” Lucian asked in concern as though nothing had happened.Roxanne looked at the man standing before her and retorted, “Didn’t you leave Essie behind and come out here as well, Mr. Farwell?”Lucian’s expression sank momentarily, but quickly, he flashed a smile at Roxanne. “
“Put your hands together as we invite the champion to receive the prize on stage!” The host smiled and looked toward Roxanne and the others. Roxanne glanced at Lucian, hoping he would go up.However, Lucian remained seated calmly and showed no intention of standing up.Roxanne had no choice but to get up on stage to receive the vouchers for a hot spring vacation from Jeffrey.As she walked up the stage, everyone shot her envious looks.Thinking that the people might have seen their kiss, Roxanne couldn’t wait to get off the stage. She hurriedly took the vouchers, thanked the presenter, and turned to step down from the stage.The three children looked at the vouchers in her hand with faces full of excitement.Roxanne, however, was distracted.The long wait for the event to end was exhausting. And as soon as it ended, Roxanne immediately got up, wanting to leave with the children.As they walked out of the hall, Estella said gingerly, “Ms. Jarvis, let’s go together!”Roxanne was shocke
Early in the morning that weekend, Roxanne had just woken up when she heard a knock at the door. She didn’t think much about it and thought it was Archie and Benny who had come to wake her up. She rubbed her eyes and let them in.Unexpectedly, when the door opened, she saw the three of them, Estella and the boys, standing at the door. Estella was wearing a pink skirt and carrying a small bag, looking particularly adorable.Roxanne was caught off guard when she saw her. She thought she was hallucinating because she didn’t sleep well the night before.The night before this, Roxanne had been brooding over the fact that she was about to go on the hot spring vacation with Lucian. She didn’t even know when she finally fell asleep.Although she had fallen asleep, she didn’t sleep well and felt as if she was constantly in a dream.Her mind was still a little hazy at that moment.“Ms. Jarvis!” Estella greeted her from the door in her piping voice.Roxanne finally returned to her senses and co
Originally, Sonya did not intend to cause trouble for Roxanne at such an hour.Yet she did not expect her son to release such a shocking announcement on the internet, and she only found out while she was having dinner.Sonya was so incensed that she didn’t even finish dinner. After throwing her cutleries in a rage, she set off and drove to Roxanne’s house.She was determined to make Lucian and Estella cut ties with Roxanne as soon as possible.Now that Sonya saw how dependent Estella was on Roxanne, her anger was further fueled.“Roxanne Jarvis, give me back my granddaughter,” she uttered frostily as if Roxanne had snatched Estella away from her.Sensing Estella’s nervousness, Roxanne gripped the former’s hand to soothe her anxiety. Next, Roxanne lifted her head to face the woman opposite her.If this had happened in the past, Roxanne might not know how to respond to a demand like this.However, things were different now. She was Estella’s mother, so she had the right to keep Estella
The boys were exhilarated for nearly the whole day after seeing the announcement in the morning.When night fell, Roxanne had just stepped into the house when Archie and Benny flung themselves at her in excitement. “Mommy!”She was slightly perplexed by their gleeful demeanor. “What’s going on? Did something nice happen in the kindergarten?”As soon as she ended her sentence, she glanced at Estella and was puzzled. If something did happen in the kindergarten, why isn’t Essie acting the same way as them?Upon detecting his mother’s confusion, Archie said, “Didn’t you see the news on the internet?”That confounded Roxanne even further. What news on the internet?Excitedly, Benny added, “Mr. Farwell claimed that we’re his children, just like Essie!”Did I hear that right? Lucian said Archie and Benny are his children? How’s that possible? Roxanne was stunned.He could tell his mother was befuddled, so he grabbed the laptop, clicked on a public forum, and showed it to her.Farwell Group’s
Jonathan’s jaw dropped open in disbelief. If they aren’t his, why does he look so calm in comparison to me, who is freaking out?“What are you thinking?” He shot Lucian an incredulous look. “If you want to help Roxanne by stopping the haters online, then you can just publicize your relationship with her and issue warning letters through your lawyer. Why would you do this?”If it was revealed that the CEO of Farwell Group had claimed to be the biological father of his ex-wife’s children even though they were not his, no one would believe it. It sounded pretty ridiculous, but that was exactly what Lucian did.“If I only did that, the netizens will still a*sume the worst about the boys’ father.” Displeasure flashed across Lucian’s eyes as he explained, “The kids are innocent. If she’s willing to marry me, it will only be a matter of time before the boys become mine, too.”Lucian knew very well that the last thing Roxanne wanted was to drag the kids into her mess, so he was more than wil
Soon, some recalled Roxanne’s previous scandal after reading the statement. One comment read: So what happened between Mr. Farwell and Aubree Pearson?Another read: Isn’t that obvious? Aubree is the homewrecker. She was the one who faked the rumors so Roxanne would give up on Mr. Farwell!One netizen replied: But what about Roxanne and Jack? They had been involved in two scandals. Besides, they seem to be on good terms.Another comment read: Isn’t that obvious? They are both capable doctors. Besides, the recent medical consultations were all initiated by the Damaris family. It’s normal for them to be on good terms!Many online users expressed their disapproval of Aubree, while the rest offered their support and blessing to Roxanne and Lucian.Now that Roxanne and Jack’s relationship was clarified, everyone thought Roxanne and Lucian were the perfect couple.One comment read: I heard that Roxanne had participated in various medical consultations recently. A while ago, someone ran into
The medicinal herb company owned by the Damaris family was mainly run by their own people, leaving outsiders nothing but envy. Lucian went silent after hearing that.However, that piqued Jonathan’s interest. “Why? Is Roxanne working with the Damaris family again? Do you need my help with anything?”Lucian managed to detect the hint of derision in his voice and snickered. “Go on and acquire the Damaris family’s medicinal herbs company if you’d really like to help.”Jonathan rubbed his nose sheepishly and said, “Well, anything but that.”“Then there’s nothing you can do. Bye.”Lucian hung up the call right after that.Jonathan’s face was full of reproach as he watched his phone screen go dark.That was the second time Lucian had woken him up in the middle of the night and hung up after dropping a bomb on him.It had taken him considerable effort to finally drift off to sleep.Great. It looks like I won’t be able to sleep at all tonight, either!Jonathan lay back down in bed, scrolling
It was already past nine at night when Roxanne reached home. As she got out of the car, she felt anxious and guilty for leaving the children alone at home.Hence, she hurried into the mansion, but as soon as she entered, she was greeted with the lively sounds of the children playing with each other and running around.Roxanne stopped in her tracks and looked inside the living room, surprised.Initially, she thought Madilyn had come over, but Lucian was sitting on the couch instead.As if sensing her presence, the man turned around to look.When their gazes met, Roxanne’s shock intensified. “What are you doing here?”Didn’t we agree on meeting some other day?Upon noticing her return, the children stopped playing and gathered around her, yearning for affection.“Mommy, you came home so late! Daddy’s been waiting for a long time!”Roxanne ruffled the children’s hair, but her gaze was still locked on Lucian.Lucian sat on the couch, crossing his legs. The button on his collar was undone
Lucian had mentioned visiting Roxanne in the past few days, but she rejected him by saying she had work to do. When he heard Estella mention that Roxanne was rarely home, he finally realized how hard she had been working recently.“Are you free tomorrow at noon? Let’s have lunch together,” Lucian suggested.He was determined to let Roxanne get some rest.Roxanne fell silent for a few moments when she heard the time he mentioned before replying apologetically, “Sorry, I’m not free.”Lucian frowned. “Why? Is there work that you have to complete?”Roxanne scratched her nose sheepishly. “I’ve promised to meet up with Mr. Damaris for lunch tomorrow to discuss a project.”Jack Damaris?Lucian’s expression instantly darkened.We’ve hardly been in contact these few days, and yet she’s been contacting him?What the elderlies from the nursing home said echoed in Lucian’s mind once again.After all, he and Roxanne did not work in the same industry. Plus, the woman was a workaholic, causing thei
I can’t believe the Queen family is the culprit! I… I a*sume that with our friendship of years, even if they refuse to help us, at the very least, they won’t hit us when we’re down. Yet, they are the reason we ended up in such a state! If that’s the case, why did Frieda come to our house yesterday? Did she come to shed crocodile tears? Gina glared at her daughter resentfully. “You knew about it, didn’t you?”Aubree’s involvement in the company’s affairs meant that she must have known who the culprit was, yet she still permitted Frieda to visit her, much to Gina’s bafflement.If I knew the Queen family was behind this, I wouldn’t have allowed Frieda to enter our house!Aubree’s eyes had also turned red. “So what if I did know? It was the Farwells’ order! Lucian drove us into a corner all because of that b*tch!”I refuse to give up just yet! Even if I end up in hell, I’ll drag that b*tch down with me!Her words made Gina feel as though the world was crumbling around her.She could not
At noon the next day, Jonathan brought Frieda shopping. They bought a bunch of gifts before driving to the restaurant where they were supposed to meet Roxanne. The restaurant was near the research institute. Due to the closeness of both locations, Roxanne thought she could head back to do some more work if their meeting ended early.Something in the research institute held her up, so Jonathan and Frieda were already waiting in the private room by the time she arrived.“I’m sorry, Dr. Jarvis. Did I interrupt your work?”Despite addressing Roxanne by her name in front of Lucian, Jonathan was mindful of his behavior and addressed her politely when she was present.Roxanne offered him a polite smile. Her gaze then landed on Frieda, and confusion crossed her eyes.If I’m not mistaken, Frieda never liked me. So why is she here today?Considering how busy she was handling various projects at the research institute, Roxanne did not want to be involved in any trouble.Jonathan rose to his fee