By the time Roxanne left the research facility, it was past seven in the evening. Checking the time, she felt she had forgotten something. While trying to recall what it was, she received a call from Lysa, which she answered with a frown.

"Ms. Jarvis, are you on your way?" Lysa asked immediately.

Her words instantly reminded Roxanne of the boys. "I forgot about them! I'm heading over right away!" Roxanne replied.

Ending the call hastily, she sped toward the kindergarten. The gate was closed upon her arrival; the brothers were gone. Overwhelmed by panic, Roxanne froze, then remembered to call Pippa.

"Mr. Farwell picked up Archie and Benny. Didn't he tell you?" Pippa asked curiously.

Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief. After thanking Pippa, she ended the call with mixed emotions. Staring at the empty kindergarten, she felt guilt and self-reproach. She had become so accustomed to Lysa collecting the boys that she'd completely forgotten. Luckily, Lucian had been there.

Suddenly, her phone rang, jolting her from her thoughts. After regaining her composure, she checked the caller ID. Seeing Lucian's name, she assumed it concerned the children and answered without hesitation.

"When are you coming back?" Lucian's magnetic voice asked. Roxanne was stunned. It took her a few seconds to realize he was probably waiting at her house for their play rehearsal. His words, however, sparked her imagination; they sounded like a family.

Suppressing her turbulent emotions, Roxanne replied plainly, "I'm on my way. Thanks for picking up Archie and Benny."

Lucian grunted in acknowledgement. "Be careful driving. The kids are playing, so there's nothing to worry about," he added casually.

Another strange sensation washed over Roxanne. She mumbled a response before ending the call. Lucian's tone always made it easy to get lost in thought.

After lingering at the kindergarten to calm her nerves, Roxanne drove home. Upon entering, she saw Lucian working on the couch; the children were nowhere in sight.

"Ms. Jarvis, what kept you tonight?" Lysa asked with concern.

Roxanne apologized, explaining, "I meant to pick them up, but work delayed me."

Lysa acknowledged her explanation, glanced at Lucian, and added, "Luckily, they didn't have to wait long; Mr. Farwell sent them home."

As Roxanne followed Lysa's gaze, she saw Lucian putting away his phone and approaching them.

"Thank you," Roxanne murmured, averting her gaze.

Lucian nodded curtly. "Since you're back, you should eat. The children have been complaining about being hungry. Even though Lysa prepared dinner, they insisted on waiting for you," he said in his deep voice.

Roxanne's heart melted. She pursed her lips and nodded. Lucian turned and headed to the backyard. Roxanne followed, knowing the children were likely there.