Since her request was going to make things difficult for others, Roxanne could not insist on it. She smiled in resignation and said, “In that case, don’t worry about it. We’ll leave it as it is.”Almost immediately, Jeffrey replied, “Thank you for your understanding, Ms. Jarvis. If there’s nothing else, I’ll end this call with you. Other parents are trying to reach me as well, so I’ll have to get back to them.”He was in a hurry to hang up, seemingly worried that Roxanne would change her mind.After ending the call with Jeffrey, Roxanne stared blankly at the crumpled piece of paper with the words Sleeping Beauty on it.The two boys noticed her reaction and gingerly called out, “Mommy.”Roxanne looked at them with downcast eyes. Seeing that their mom seemed disheartened, the boys anxiously asked, “Mommy, you don’t like that play?”She nodded, which aroused the curiosity in the boys.“Why? Is it a terrible story? Can you tell us that story?” they asked.Roxanne frowned slightly and bit
That night, both the boys and Roxanne did not get a good night’s sleep.Roxanne couldn’t stop thinking about Lucian’s reply in the group chat and also their collaboration in the play.As for the kids, they were kept awake by the worry that their mommy would back out of the play.The next morning, Roxanne stepped out of her room and saw two little “pandas” at her door.Surprised at the sight of the dark circles around the boys’ eyes, she frowned and softly jested, “Where did these two pandas come from?”The boys innocently looked up to her and gave her sheepish smiles.Roxanne shook her head and asked with concern, “What happened? Did you not sleep well last night? How did you get such bad dark circles?”Roxanne’s heart ached, and she bent over and gently caressed the area around their eyes.The boys closed their eyes to accommodate her, but there was a look of anxiousness on their faces. “Mommy, you’re still going to join us in the anniversary celebration, right?” They sought her a*su
“Ms. Jarvis.” Estella spoke, gingerly tugging on Roxanne’s outfit.Roxanne dropped her gaze and saw the little girl piteously looking at her with her big round eyes. She seemed to be asking why Roxanne was ignoring her.Roxanne was ruffled by her puppy-dog eyes, but she could only return a forced smile.Lucian noticed her uneasiness with Estella. His brows furrowed, but he quickly hid his emotions and said, “We are counting on your support to make the play a success, Ms. Jarvis. This will be the kids’ first performance, so I hope you can set aside your personal feelings for the benefit of the kids.”Roxanne’s expression froze. Her heart was in turmoil, but she put on a nonchalant front. She casually nodded her head and replied, “Don’t worry. I will.”As his gaze swept past her face, he could see she had pursed her lips and looked indifferent. Very obviously, she had no intention of engaging with him.Lucian lowered his gaze and exchanged a knowing look with Estella.The little girl go
When Estella heard that Roxanne wanted to switch to another group for the play, she pouted in distress and looked to her daddy for help.Lucian appeared emotionless, but his mouth was tensely shut. Although he did not say anything, it was obvious he was pissed.Before he made his way to the kindergarten that morning, he told himself he would avoid getting into a disagreement with Roxanne. However, when he saw she was adamant about switching groups with Ca*sandra, he couldn’t help but get furious.Estella suddenly recalled what Lucian had told her the night before. He had told her he would need her help to mend their relationship with Roxanne.She turned her gaze from Lucian and looked toward Roxanne. She was sniffling as she looked piteously at Roxanne, and tears were brimming in her reddened eyes.Her loud sniffling was very conspicuous in the noiseless cla*sroom, and everyone turned to look at her and Roxanne.“I want Archie and Benny!” Estella cried out, pouting and heaving as she
Just like that, the meeting came to an end after a brief discussion.Pippa stood at the cla*sroom door and waved goodbye at the parents as they left.Roxanne walked up to her with a concerned expression and asked, “Ms. Ward, are you sure you don’t want to change the plot for Sleeping Beauty? I don’t know if it’s appropriate for children to witness that final scene…”Pippa flashed her a rea*suring smile as she replied, “Don’t worry, Ms. Jarvis. The kids already know about this sort of thing. Besides, you’re not really going to kiss in front of them. You’ll be positioning yourselves to look like you’re kissing.”Pippa then looked behind her and asked, “I’m sure you’ll offer your full cooperation, right, Mr. Farwell?”Roxanne tensed up when she heard that.“Of course,” Lucian replied, his voice sounding like he was whispering right next to her ear.Roxanne lowered her gaze and stepped aside before turning around to look at him.“Don’t worry, Ms. Jarvis. I’m not the kind of guy who would
The next day, Roxanne was so busy working at the research institute that it was already seven in the evening when she got home.Upon entering the house, she froze in surprise when she saw Lucian standing in the living room.I remember agreeing to rehearse the stage play after the kids got off school, but I didn’t think he’d just let himself in without informing me beforehand…“Mommy!” Archie and Benny called out to her excitedly when they realized she was home. They then gave Estella’s hand a gentle tug, prompting her to turn around.Estella had a disappointed expression on her face at first, but her eyes lit up the moment she saw Roxanne.“Ms. Jarvis!” Estella shouted as she ran over and threw herself at Roxanne before Archie and Benny could.Suppressing her discomfort, Roxanne patted Estella on the head and asked, “When did you come over, Essie?”“She came home together with us!” Archie and Benny replied before Estella could.Noticing the frown on Roxanne’s face, they continued expl
While having dinner, Roxanne realized Lysa had arranged for Lucian to be seated right in front of her.As Lucian’s gaze would fall upon her from time to time, Roxanne felt extremely uncomfortable throughout the entire meal.After what seemed like forever, they were finally done having dinner. Lysa then cleaned up the table while Roxanne and the others headed over to the living room to rehearse the stage play.Although they had yet to finalize the roles for the play, Lucian and Roxanne became obvious choices for the prince and princess due to the kissing scene.The kids then stared blankly at Roxanne as they were unsure of the roles they should take up.After going through the script, Roxanne gave it some thought before saying hesitantly, “Essie can play the role of the witch.”Estella nodded obediently in response.“What about us, Mommy?” Archie and Benny asked in unison while staring at her excitedly.They were curious as they didn’t remember finding any roles in Sleeping Beauty that
It wasn’t until she heard Benny’s voice that Roxanne regained her senses and recalled that they were rehearsing.As for Lucian’s actions, it was needed by the script.Realizing that fact, the apologetic Roxanne smiled at the children. “I’m sorry for spacing out. Please continue.”After exchanging curious glances, the children obediently agreed.Meanwhile, Lucian, who was looking at Roxanne, had an epiphany that brought a grim expression to his face.Feeling guilty to the extent of not daring to look in his direction, Roxanne naturally didn’t notice the change in him.As the rehearsal continued, they had to change their roles.Roxanne, playing the princess after she was all grown up, did so with much aplomb.It wasn’t until the prince appeared while she was asleep that her frustrations began to build.Taking on the role of the prince, Lucian would either be too aloof or not angry enough when he faced Estella.Naturally, his performance caused Roxanne to worry.“Mr. Farwell, you’ll scar
Catalina didn’t close the door when she went down. Aubree saw Lucian standing in his study upon making her way up. “Lucian, I’m here.”Aubree entered after knocking on the door.Inside the study, Lucian had already heard her footsteps, but he only turned around upon hearing her voice.By then, Aubree had already put on a gentle smile on her face.Even though he had decided to accept her, Lucian still couldn’t help but feel that something wasn’t right every time he saw her. He remained silent for a long while.Aubree didn’t dare enter the study on her own accord. All she could do was repeat herself, “Is there something you want to see me for?”Jolted back to his senses, Lucian suppressed his inner thoughts as he replied in a deep voice, “Come in and have a seat.”Pursing her lips into a smile, Aubree walked in and settled down on the couch in the center of the room.Lucian sat down in an armchair with a conflicted look in his eyes. He could still feel the hesitance in his heart.In th
Upon hearing her father’s words, Estella pursed her lips tightly as she desperately held back her tears. I can’t cry! If Daddy and Ms. Jarvis have fallen out with each other, I will definitely not be able to see her anymore. It’s up to me alone to help them reconcile.In that instant, Estella remembered the boys’ advice to her—strive to grow stronger.Throughout the journey home, Estella did not shed a single tear.When Lucian carried her out of the car upon their arrival, he was surprised by the look on her face.Despite looking as if she would burst into tears any second, she was tenaciously holding them back.Lucian wondered what had caused such a big change in her.When he tried to hold her hand, expecting her to refuse, Estella obediently let him hold it.Filled with complicated emotions, Lucian led Estella back into the mansion.The moment they entered, they saw Sonya, whose face was contorted, seated on the couch.“If you had come back any later, I would’ve gone to pick Essie
“Why are you upset? Did I say something wrong?” Roxanne forced herself to stay calm and looked at him.She did want to break off ties with the Farwell family, but this wasn’t how she expected it to happen.If I do nothing to stop him from bringing Essie away, no one knows what he’ll tell her back home.Seeing that she didn’t seem to know her mistake, Lucian frowned angrily. “How are you wrong? Didn’t Essie make it clear? It was my fault.”With that, he turned to leave.Roxanne gritted her teeth.It was obvious he said that out of anger, so she couldn’t let him leave in this state.Lucian was already downstairs when Roxanne finally made up her mind. She quickened her steps and grabbed his sleeves.As she approached, Estella’s cries grew quieter.Lucian glanced at her hand gripping his sleeve with his dark and inscrutable gaze.I wonder what she will say.Roxanne’s instincts acted faster than her mind. She stopped him but could not find the words to make him stay.“If you have nothing
“No longer related?” The sarcasm in Lucian’s eyes intensified. “This is all wishful thinking on your part.” Roxanne’s frown deepened. I’m stating the facts! Why is that wishful thinking? It was Lucian who used me all the while, and now he’s with Aubree. How are we related to each other now?As though reading her mind, Lucian said icily, “You may be right, but do you think Essie will give up on you when you treat her this well?”Roxanne was left speechless.Lucian concluded, “You are responsible for giving her false hope, which led to her committing that act, and you don’t even know that.”Hearing that, Roxanne couldn’t stop doubting herself.He’s right. I keep saying I want to sever ties with him, but when Essie cries, I can’t help but feel guilty and give in and shower my love on her. When she’s around, Lucian and I will inevitably have to interact. According to Lucian, Essie committed that act because of me…A while later, Roxanne finally found her voice. “If that’s the case, I’ll
Roxanne felt extremely uncomfortable under Lucian’s penetrating gaze despite her valiant attempts to ignore him. When she heard his answer, she heaved a silent sigh of relief and put her fork down.“Let’s talk upstairs.”Turning to the children, she instructed, “Finish your lunch before you go off to play.”Archie and Benny nodded vigorously.Roxanne rose to her feet and shot Lucian a look. Getting her hint, he complied by getting up and following her up the stairs.They both came to a stop at the balcony on the second floor, one after another.Roxanne said nothing as she was wondering how she should start the conversation.Even after Estella had admitted to her mistake and apologized, she still couldn’t believe that the little girl was capable of committing such an action.Naturally, Lucian would not believe her, as he loved Estella dearly.If she were to reveal the truth bluntly, Lucian would most probably think she was trying to blame Estella for something the little girl didn’t d
“It’s our fault, Mommy. We didn’t keep a close eye on Essie.” The boys had already guessed the truth when their mother questioned them. Even though Estella had admitted to the offense, they still wanted to take the blame for her mistake.Roxanne did not know what to say as she watched the three of them protect each other.I would’ve been contended to see them caring for each other in another situation, but they’re covering for each other at the wrong time now. What do I do… Moments later, she suppressed her emotions and placed Estella on her thighs. “Tell me the truth, Essie. Did you do this by yourself or with the boys?”As Estella had learned that Roxanne disliked dishonest children, she, of course, wasn’t going to lie.Besides, she never wanted to drag the brothers down with her either.“I-I did it by myself…” she choked out.Roxanne nodded and wiped the girl’s tears away. “Why did you do it?”Even though the girl was crying intensely, she still answered the question, “Because I d
After Archie found Estella, he summoned Benny. “Let’s head inside and listen to what Mommy is talking about with Mr. Damaris.”Upon hearing that suggestion, the other two agreed.They opened the door carefully and saw Roxanne sitting on the single-seat couch and chatting with Jack. Both adults had a smile on their faces.The alarm bells in the children’s minds rang loudly the instant they noticed the faint smile on Roxanne’s face.Estella acted against her usual behavior and sprinted straight to Roxanne’s side.“Essie?” It was only then Roxanne noticed the children had returned.Jack gave Roxanne and Estella the once-over and said half-intentionally, “I can see the resemblance even clearer like this.”That sent Roxanne into a panic.Innocently, Estella asked Roxanne, “What resemblance, Ms. Jarvis?”Roxanne patted her head, shot a look at Jack, and said, “It’s nothing. It’s just a random comment from Mr. Damaris.” Then she stood up and faced Jack. “Is there anything else, Mr. Damaris?
The next morning, when Roxanne woke up early, Estella was still asleep. She left the bed gently to avoid disturbing the girl and went downstairs to prepare the children’s breakfast.Because of the messy situation last night, she woke up a little later than usual even though she was awake before the children.She hadn’t even prepared breakfast when the doorbell rang.Roxanne stopped what she was doing, and her heart sank. Is Lucian that eager to bring Essie back home?The doorbell rang incessantly, which roused the children from their slumber and prompted them to descend the stairs.“Is Mr. Farwell here, Mommy?” Archie frowned at the entrance.Estella’s gleeful countenance from yesterday had been replaced with a pitiful expression as she stood behind the boys. I want to stay with Archie and Benny longer!Seeing that the children had arrived downstairs, Roxanne had no choice but to put the things in her hands down and open the door.“Mr. Fair—” Roxanne cut herself off when she realized
Roxanne was dumbfounded since she did not expect Lucian to agree to their request so easily. She finally regained her senses when Estella came running toward her, sobbing after her father set her down on the floor.“Ms. Jarvis…” The girl quickly wrapped her arms around Roxanne’s thigh.After caressing Estella’s head, Roxanne looked up at Lucian, who then nodded indifferently at her and glanced at the three children before heading to his car.Only after watching Lucian drive away did Roxanne take the children into the living room.“You two look after Essie. I need to make a phone call,” instructed Roxanne.Archie and Benny immediately nodded in response and did their best to comfort Estella while Roxanne hurried into a corner to call Jack, who did not take long to answer.“What’s up, Ms. Jarvis?” inquired Jack.“Sorry, but I’m afraid I’ll have to take another rain check,” replied Roxanne apologetically.According to their schedule, the two were supposed to provide medical consultation