Kindergarten had ended, and only three children remained on the school field. They were in high spirits, anticipating an upcoming rehearsal. Archie and Benny chatted occasionally, while Estella sat quietly, a smile gracing her face.

"Why isn't Ms. Lane here yet?" Benny asked, noticing the darkening sky. Ms. Lane was always early; her lateness was unusual. Archie, furrowing his brows, reassured his brother, "Perhaps she's busy. Let's wait a little longer."

Lucian arrived, and Estella immediately waved, "Daddy!" He hurried to her, then knitted his brows at the boys. Lately, Lysa had been picking them up since Roxanne was avoiding Lucian; he usually arrived to find them gone.

"Where's Ms. Lane?" he asked gently.

The boys shrugged, equally clueless. "We don't know," Benny squeaked, repeating Archie's earlier explanation.

Lucian checked his watch. "I'll take you home."

The boys exchanged a glance. Benny seemed tempted, but Archie shook his head, his expression as distant as Roxanne's. "We'll wait for Ms. Lane. She'll worry if we're not here."

Lucian responded, "I'll call your mother and ask her to tell Ms. Lane." Seeing their reluctance, he added, "I'm taking Essie to your house for the rehearsal anyway."

Estella urged them, "Let's go! Daddy will tell Ms. Lane. It's late!" She tugged at their bags, but the brothers clung to them, their resentment toward Lucian evident.

Estella looked to her father for help. Lucian, after a reassuring stroke of her head, turned to the boys. "If you wait, Ms. Ward will have to wait too. Have you thought of that?"

Pippa, their teacher, initially wanted to agree, but Lucian's expression silenced her. She wore an awkward expression as the brothers stared, conflicted, between their teacher and the thought of their mother.

Estella whined, rubbing her stomach. "I'm hungry."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "We'll wait for your brothers."

Finally, the boys gathered their bags and joined Lucian. He instructed Estella to hold their hands, then bid Pippa farewell before leading them to the car.

Once settled, Estella chatted with her brothers. Soon, all three were playing in the backseat, their earlier reluctance forgotten. The sounds of their playful arguing softened Lucian's expression, a hint of amusement in his eyes.