Chapter 1286

They got in the car after leaving the restaurant. Lucian sat idly, the engine remaining unstarted. Roxanne gave him a puzzled look. Their eyes met the moment she raised her head, momentarily stunning her. A strange nervousness settled over her.

Disappointment flickered across Lucian's face. "If only it were pouring rain right now," he murmured.

His words surprised Roxanne. The children looked at him curiously. "But we won't be able to go home if it's raining!"

Lucian smiled, said nothing more, and started the car. The children remained perplexed by their father's cryptic response. Roxanne, however, understood immediately. He didn't want to go home that night.

Her face flushed crimson. She didn't dare look at him. "It's getting late," she said. "Let's go back now. The kids must be tired."

The children, sensing unspoken adult implications, blinked in confusion but remained silent.

On the way home, Roxanne wondered if Lucian was deliberately driving slowly to lull the children to sleep. Slightly tired herself, she stared blankly out the window until they arrived at her house.

Roxanne woke Archie and Benny to get them out of the car. "Aunt Roxanne," Estella said, reluctant to leave. She'd been staying with Roxanne for a while and was now returning home with Lucian.

Roxanne patted Estella reassuringly. "You've stayed here a long time. It's time to go home."

Estella remained hesitant. Roxanne looked at Lucian, hesitant to speak. Before she could, Lucian announced, "I've arranged for Essie's transfer. She'll be back at her old kindergarten next week."

Their eyes lit up. Archie and Benny hugged Estella excitedly. "That's amazing! We can go to kindergarten together again!" A smile spread across Estella's face.

A weight lifted from Roxanne's shoulders. She smiled at Estella. "You can see Archie and Benny at kindergarten now. And you're welcome to come here and stay for a few days anytime you like."

The prospect of a new kindergarten replaced Estella's reluctance to leave. She nodded. "Then you have to pick up Archie and Benny from kindergarten, Aunt Roxanne!"

Roxanne laughed in assent. Lucian started the car.

"Bye, Mr. Farwell," the boys waved.

Lucian nodded, turning to Roxanne expectantly. Still shy from his earlier words, she blushed and mumbled, "Goodbye."

Lucian raised an eyebrow, clearly displeased. Roxanne, embarrassed, hesitated before saying, "See you Monday." They would be picking up the children then, she assumed.

Lucian smiled, satisfied. "See you Monday." He accelerated, heading towards the Farwell residence.

Only after Lucian was long gone did Roxanne turn and return to the mansion with Archie and Benny.