The next morning, Roxanne woke to find it was almost 7:30. She immediately got out of bed, washed, and rushed the children to kindergarten without breakfast. Because Lysa only picked them up, Roxanne was responsible for dropping them off on her way to work.

To avoid Lucian, she'd been leaving the house very early for the past few days. However, she'd worked late the previous night and overslept. As a result, she spent her commute praying she wouldn't see him.

Her luck ran out. As she exited her car, a Bentley with a familiar license plate pulled up behind her. Lucian emerged a moment later, Estella in tow.

Roxanne quickened her pace, hoping to get the children inside unnoticed.

"Good morning, Ms. Jarvis!" Pippa, a teacher, greeted her warmly.

Roxanne's heart sank; she stopped.

Meanwhile, Lucian had recognized Roxanne's Mercedes-Benz. He saw her hurrying away with the two children. Their haste made it impossible to deny she was avoiding him.

Standing hand-in-hand with her father, Estella's eyes drooped. It looks like I won't be seeing Ms. Jarvis today either, she thought. However, when she heard the teacher, her eyes lit up, and she looked toward the kindergarten entrance.

"Ms. Jarvis!" Lucian had planned various approaches, but Estella's excited yelp at the sight of Roxanne rendered them unnecessary. Furrowing his brow, he loosened his grip on Estella's hand, letting her run to Roxanne.

Roxanne stiffened at Estella's voice and turned. Estella, tilting her head, hugged Roxanne's thigh, her eyes bright with excitement.

"You're here, Essie." Roxanne's heart softened. She knelt to pat the little girl's head.

Estella nodded, then asked slowly, "Ms. Jarvis, why didn't you pick up Archie and Benny from kindergarten? Four days," she added, holding up four fingers coquettishly. "I miss you a lot."

Roxanne's gaze softened, but she struggled for an answer. She knew Estella would be upset, but she also needed to avoid Lucian. Feeling guilty, she offered a weak excuse after a moment's silence. "I miss you too. I've been busy with work lately, so I haven't had time to pick them up. Don't worry, you'll see me every day soon." She averted her gaze.

Estella took her at her word, nodding obediently. "I'll wait for you!"

Roxanne forced a smile. "Good girl. You're going to be late; go inside with Archie and Benny." She then instructed her children, "Take good care of her."

Archie and Benny, confused by their mother's behavior, hesitated before nodding.

After they entered the kindergarten, Roxanne nodded to Lucian and turned to leave. However, a hand grasped her wrist after only two steps.

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