The four of them returned to the mansion. Roxanne and the two children were so hungry they devoured the leftovers Madilyn had brought from the restaurant. After dinner, the children went upstairs to shower.

Madilyn looked at her best friend doubtfully. “Why are you running from him? I don’t understand. I thought you had a divorce agreement. Why are you so afraid of him? And you haven’t told me why you divorced him. What happened in the last few years?”

After meeting Madilyn's gaze, Roxanne lowered her eyes, hesitating. She decided to tell Madilyn the story, albeit briefly.

“Oh, my God! No, you didn’t!” Madilyn exclaimed. She never in a million years imagined Roxanne would drug Lucian and have his children. That's why she'd run when she heard his name!

Roxanne bit her lip, looking agonized. “I don’t want him to know about Benny and Archie. Besides, I’m still worried he’ll hold a grudge about drugging him. Someone like him could easily take revenge. I wouldn’t be afraid if I were alone, but with two kids, I have to be responsible.”

She offered a self-deprecating smile. “Maybe I’m overthinking. He might not care. I’m just a nobody, anyway.”

“That’s what you think!” Madilyn frowned. “I think he recognized your voice. When he came in, he asked where you were. He was coming after you!”

Roxanne was stunned, a sharp pain piercing her heart. He must hate me for what I did that night. That’s probably the only feeling he has for me, she thought.

Seeing her friend's distress, Madilyn consoled her. “Don’t worry, Roxanne. Horington is a big city, and your jobs aren’t related; you won’t run into him easily.”

Roxanne nodded, hoping for the best.

Suddenly, they heard Archie and Benny’s voices.

Roxanne and Madilyn stopped talking and looked toward the stairs. Archie and Benny, fresh from their showers, their hair damp and skin dewy, came downstairs in their cow-spotted pajamas. They walked to the women, tilting their heads and staring with wide eyes. “What are you talking about?”

Madilyn squatted, scooping both children into her arms. “You two are adorable! I love you! Come, let’s go home with Aunt Madilyn!”

Archie and Benny were speechless as Madilyn squeezed their cheeks.

Roxanne giggled and rescued her sons. Then, she remembered something. “Oh, before I forget, I came back in a hurry and will be busy working. I can’t always take Archie and Benny with me. Can you recommend a kindergarten? And I’ll need a nanny, too.”

The boys remained silent. (With their intelligence, they don't need kindergarten. But since Mommy is busy, we'll help lessen her burden,) they thought.

Madilyn considered this. “Yes! I have a kindergarten in mind!”

Roxanne asked, “Tell me about it.”

Madilyn described it: “It’s for children from elite families, well-known in Horington. Exciting classes, multiple languages, highly qualified teachers. Wealthy families compete for places. You won’t have to worry about bullies.”

Roxanne responded immediately, “Really? Let me look it up online. If it’s good, I want to enroll Archie and Benny right away!”