Chapter 518: "Daddy!"

At the sight of her father, Estella ran to Lucian's side, pointing to the untouched food. "You're finally here! We're all famished!"

Lucian followed her gaze to Archie and Benny at the dining table, heads propped in their hands, resentment evident in their eyes. Five sets of untouched dinnerware confirmed their wait. He felt a complex mix of emotions as Roxanne joined him. Their eyes met; she froze briefly, then explained, "Estella wanted to wait for you."

Lucian raised an eyebrow, glancing at his daughter, who beamed, clearly taking credit. He stroked her head, apologizing, "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I didn't realize you were all waiting for dinner."

Roxanne pursed her lips. "It's fine. Now that you're here, let's eat, then continue rehearsal."

After washing his hands, Lucian sat opposite her. Dinner finished, they began rehearsing. Roxanne had accepted Lucian's lack of acting talent and simply went with the flow. The children, however, surprised her with their eloquence and expressive performances, exceeding her expectations.

Once rehearsal ended, Estella tilted her head, looking at the adults. Roxanne crouched beside her. "Essie, what is it? Is something wrong?"

Estella frowned hesitantly. "Ms. Jarvis, does Sleeping Beauty sleep until the end? I remember... she was awakened by a prince's kiss! But the rehearsal always ends after the prince defeats the witch."

Roxanne anticipated her next words. "Of course not," she smiled.

Estella looked baffled. "But the rehearsal always stops there."

Archie and Benny, equally curious, joined them. Roxanne, faced with their perplexed expressions, was momentarily speechless. While Pippa had stipulated a pretend kiss, Roxanne had avoided any intimacy with Lucian, deliberately omitting the final scene. She hadn't expected the children to notice.

Seeking help, Roxanne turned to Lucian, but his expression was strange, quickly reverting to indifference. His words disheartened her. "That's true. I'm curious too, Ms. Jarvis. Why do you always skip the last scene? Isn't that the heart of the story?"

The children nodded in agreement.

Roxanne collected herself, moving to Lucian's side to whisper, "Ms. Ward said we could just pretend to kiss, no contact."

Lucian raised an eyebrow thoughtfully. "All the more reason to practice it."