Chapter 112: I Will Not Keep Annoying You

After learning the truth, the two boys sadly said goodbye to Madilyn and trotted home. Madilyn was surprised they were so easily disheartened. Seeing their disappointment, she quickly took leave from work and went to comfort them.

Archie and Benny were devastated. They had believed their father didn't truly hate them. Learning he'd expelled them from school revealed the harsh reality of his hatred. Benny, tears welling, clutched the couch nervously, his mouth set in a tight line. Archie, though equally disappointed, was calmer. Seeing Benny cry, he comforted him. "Don't cry over that bad man," he said. "If he doesn't like us, we shouldn't like him either. Besides, Mommy doesn't seem to want us to know, so let's pretend we don't, okay? Let's not worry her."

Benny sniffed and nodded silently.

Meanwhile, Roxanne left the kindergarten and ran into Lucian, who was dropping off Estella. Estella was sullen and barely cooperated. Their eyes met, and Estella's face lit up. Roxanne's heart leaped, then sank at the sight of Lucian.

They approached her quickly. Estella tugged at Roxanne's skirt, looking up with watery eyes. Roxanne hesitated, then gently removed Estella's hand. "Archie and Benny won't be coming here anymore," she said. "You should take care of yourself. Make friends with the other children."

As she spoke, the light faded from Estella's eyes. Roxanne looked away, forcing calmness into her voice. "I have to go to work. Goodbye."

She turned to leave, but a hand grasped her wrist. She stopped and turned, meeting Lucian's gaze. "Is there something you need, Mr. Farwell?"

Lucian frowned. "Expelling the boys wasn't my idea. It's a misunderstanding."

Roxanne scoffed. "I can't believe you're still trying to defend yourself. I'm willing to hear your excuses, but who did you frame this time?"

Lucian, unfazed by her tone, said, "I asked Cayden to investigate. It's all because of Aubree. Because of my previous comments, the kindergarten head assumed I approved."

He trailed off, filled with regret. He'd never regretted anything more than the boys' expulsion. He hadn't meant for it to happen, and he'd come to rectify the situation. He hadn't expected to run into Roxanne.

Roxanne's scorn deepened. "Aubree? So it was your idea, too? Who in Horington doesn't know about the Pearson-Farwell marriage? Aren't you afraid she'll feel bad seeing how desperately you're trying to distance yourself?"

She pulled her wrist free. "Don't worry, Mr. Farwell. I'm not shameless, and I won't annoy you anymore. You don't need to explain anything."

She walked away without looking back. Lucian watched her go, a dark cloud on his face.

Estella, after a moment of shock, burst into tears. She pushed her father's hand away and ran after Roxanne's car, fearing she might never see Roxanne again. Panic-stricken, she tripped on a rock and fell.