It wasn't until she heard Benny's voice that Roxanne regained her senses, remembering they were rehearsing. Lucian's actions, however, were scripted. Realizing this, Roxanne smiled apologetically at the children. "I'm sorry for spacing out. Please continue."

After exchanging curious glances, the children readily agreed. Meanwhile, Lucian, watching Roxanne, experienced an epiphany that darkened his expression. Feeling guilty, Roxanne avoided his gaze, oblivious to the change in him.

As the rehearsal progressed, they switched roles. Roxanne, playing the grown princess, performed with aplomb. Her frustration mounted only when the prince appeared while she slept.

Lucian, as the prince, was either too aloof or not angry enough when confronting Estella. This worried Roxanne.

"Mr. Farwell," she cautioned, "you'll scare the children this way." Later, she added, "Mr. Farwell, you're facing a witch, not Essie. You must look fiercer."

Lucian was speechless. After several attempts, a weary Estella gave her father an annoyed look. Under her gaze, Lucian felt helpless. Despite his desire to perform well, his naturally calm temperament hindered him, making it difficult to express the required emotion. Father and daughter stood silently, glaring at each other.

Roxanne found the scene amusing. Despite knowing Lucian well, this was the first time she'd seen him struggle.

When Estella appeared on the verge of tears, Roxanne stroked her head, smiling. "Essie, why don't you take a break? I'll take over your scene with Daddy." Estella, nodding pitifully, joined her brothers.

Roxanne replaced her, facing Lucian. Seeing his expression, she exclaimed, "Mr. Farwell, you're rescuing someone, not killing them! Don't look so cold." Frowning, Lucian tried to adjust his expression, but failed. Sighing, Roxanne gently touched the corner of his lips. "Relax. Don't be so tense."

Both froze. Roxanne awkwardly withdrew her hand. Lucian, however, retained the smile she'd coaxed onto his lips, though his brow remained furrowed, creating a bizarre contrast.

The children were equally confounded by their reactions. After a moment of silence, Roxanne composed herself. Checking the time, she smiled. "It's getting late. With school tomorrow, we'll stop for today."

Embarrassed by their recent intimacy, Roxanne avoided Lucian's gaze. The children readily agreed with her dismissal.

When Lucian remained silent, Roxanne, bracing herself, looked up. "Mr. Farwell, let's continue next time."

Noticing her panic and recalling her touch, Lucian nodded, an unidentifiable emotion flickering in his eyes. "All right." He then went to Estella's side and took her hand.

Estella, however, looked at Roxanne hesitantly. "Ms. Jarvis, will we continue tomorrow?" (She wanted to see her every day.)

Roxanne gave a vaguely affirmative reply.