Chapter 1568: Being Intimate in Public

Class had just ended at the kindergarten when Lucian's car pulled up outside the front gate. They exited the car and waited at the gate for the children. Soon, they felt the other parents' eyes on them.

"Isn't that Mr. Farwell? Can't believe he's with his ex-wife!"

"Who are you calling 'ex-wife'? They're about to get back together, so watch what you say!"

"I've always thought Ms. Jarvis was sophisticated. She and Mr. Farwell are a perfect match!"

The gossip made Roxanne uncomfortable. She stepped behind Lucian, lowering her head to avoid their gazes. Noticing her reaction, Lucian put an arm around her waist, pulling her close, as if to announce their relationship.

Roxanne's face flushed crimson. "Let go of me! Lots of people are watching! The kids will be out soon!" she protested, struggling slightly. The thought of the parents seeing them, let alone her children, filled her with mortification.

Lucian ignored her, tightening his grip. After several failed attempts to escape, Roxanne gave up struggling, though she maintained an awkward distance. The parents' whispers intensified, and she longed to disappear. I shouldn't have agreed to pick up the kids with Lucian!

A woman in the crowd quietly shushed the others, "Hey, cut it out! She heard us!"

Roxanne glanced at the woman, who nervously chuckled upon meeting her gaze. Roxanne offered a grateful smile and resumed her awkward posture.

She started struggling again as the first group of children appeared at the gate with their teacher. This time, Lucian released his hold on her waist, taking her hand instead. Even this felt embarrassingly intimate. We're not a young couple anymore, she thought.

"What, I can't even hold your hand?" Lucian asked, displeased at her frown.

Roxanne's gaze shifted between their joined hands and Lucian's expression. She relented, gently entwining her fingers with his. He interlocked their fingers.

Roxanne heard the parents gasp, but pretended not to notice. Fortunately, her children's class was among the first to emerge, the children marching neatly toward the gate.

"Daddy! Mommy!" they called happily.

The onlookers' shock was palpable. Even those who had already collected their children lingered, watching curiously. They had seen the news reports about Lucian and Roxanne, but this was their first public appearance together, especially so intimate.