Once the two boys were upstairs, the smile on Roxanne's face faded.

Madilyn turned off the television and leaned over, asking with concern, "What's wrong? Something on your mind?"

After a moment's hesitation, Roxanne recounted a lighthearted version of her earlier encounter. "I met Lucian at dinner."

Roxanne could only confide in Madilyn about what had happened six years ago.

Hearing this, Madilyn froze. Then, she whispered, "What kind of fate is tying you two together? Horington is a huge city; I thought the chances of you meeting again were practically zero unless you were actively seeking each other out."

Roxanne lowered her eyes, lost in thought.

"So, what's on your mind after seeing him?" Madilyn asked.

The corners of Roxanne's mouth turned down. "What could possibly be on my mind? Our relationship ended six years ago. We're strangers. He doesn't affect me anymore. I only want to care for Archie and Benny and have a good life with them."

She seemed to have made up her mind.

Madilyn sighed in relief, patting her friend's shoulder. "That's good. You're a wonderful woman, and plenty of people are interested in you. Take your time. Let's leave that jerk in the past."

Roxanne nodded slightly, wanting to change the subject. "By the way, I haven't bought a car since moving back. I had to get rides from coworkers for the welcome party today, which was inconvenient. Are you free tomorrow morning to help me pick one out?"

Madilyn's attention shifted, but she was puzzled. "Why buy a car? I have several in the garage. Just choose one."

Roxanne chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Are you serious?"

Sharing a look, Madilyn put her arm around Roxanne's neck. "Of course. You're my godsons' mother! What's mine is yours!"

"Thank you," Roxanne replied.

They chatted for a while longer. When they checked the time, it was late. Madilyn reluctantly returned to the house next door.

After washing up, Roxanne lay in bed but couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned for a long time before finally falling asleep.

She dreamt she was back in the empty room at The Waterfront. Lucian was pushing her against the wall, his eyes narrowed, moving closer. Just as their lips were about to touch, Roxanne jolted awake, drenched in sweat. She couldn't sleep after that.

The next morning, Roxanne had noticeable dark circles under her eyes as she sat with her children at breakfast.

"Mommy, did you sleep well?" Archie asked, concerned, noticing the dark circles.

Roxanne, thinking of the dream, tensed. A moment later, she smiled easily. "No, I stayed up late reading documents."

Her children were observant, and Roxanne feared they'd press her for more information. She quickly lowered her head, pretending to eat.

The boys exchanged a look but said nothing more. "Don't tire yourself out, Mommy. Take care of yourself," they said.

Roxanne smiled and nodded.

After breakfast, she took the boys to Madilyn's house.

"Choose whatever you like. Don't worry," Madilyn said, holding a bunch of car keys as she led them to her garage.

The boys, though young, recognized many luxury cars. Seeing them, they applauded, exclaiming, "Aunt Madilyn, you're amazing!"

Roxanne chose a mid-range Mercedes-Benz worth over a million.

Madilyn handed over the keys without hesitation.

Roxanne drove the boys to kindergarten.

"Bye, Mommy! Don't overwork yourself!" they said as they got out of the car.

Roxanne ruffled their hair. "You too. Be good. I'll pick you up tonight."

They nodded and went inside. Roxanne watched them disappear before driving away.

A few minutes later, a Rolls-Royce pulled up. Cayden got out, opened the back door, and carefully helped Estella out. Estella waved to her father.

"Go in now," Lucian said softly, patting her head.

Estella nodded and left.

Lucian watched her, suspicion in his eyes. Estella seemed happier than usual. Maybe she's relaxing after interacting with the children at kindergarten. The psychiatrist was right; her autism symptoms will improve with more peer interaction.

The final sentence is a parenthetical thought from Lucian and should be set apart from the narrative. I have left the odd marketing insertion at the end as is, as editing it out would be altering the original text.