Hearing Lucian's words, Roxanne frowned, feeling a strong resistance.

Lucian's deep voice resonated. "If we don't rehearse, please don't accuse me of taking advantage of you if I kiss you by mistake."

Roxanne was incredulous. Nevertheless, she found his scenario entirely plausible.

"Besides," Lucian continued calmly, sensing her wavering, "neither of us are actors. If we don't practice, how will we know where to stand to make the kiss realistic?" Her ambivalence was evident.

She conceded his point. However, with the anniversary celebration still days away, rehearsing would require close proximity for several consecutive days.

Just then, Estella's voice piped up, "Why are we rehearsing everything but this scene?" She gave Roxanne a quizzical, innocent look.

Seeing Estella's confusion, Roxanne sighed. "Fine. We'll rehearse it too."

She glanced at Lucian, but his expression remained detached, as if his earlier comment was purely for rehearsal purposes. Shifting her gaze, Roxanne hoped her imagination wasn't running wild.

Having rehearsed every scene before the kiss multiple times, Roxanne had no choice but to proceed. The children led her to the couch, wanting her to lie down. When she remained motionless, Estella urged, "Ms. Jarvis, lie down quickly!"

Roxanne looked at the children's excited faces, then at Lucian, still feeling conflicted. Finally, feeling mentally prepared, she lay down. The children smartly moved aside for Lucian.

After a pause, he approached the couch. Supporting himself on the back, he leaned in to look at her. Roxanne's eyes were closed, but a slight furrow creased her brow. Her trembling eyelashes suggested imminent opening.

Seeing her nervousness, Lucian raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly. The children, watching from the side, were surprised by his amusement.

During their rehearsals, they'd heard Roxanne complain about Lucian's lack of emotion. Now, they realized her words were a gross exaggeration.

Lying on the couch with her eyes closed, Roxanne could hear a pin drop. She felt Lucian's breath on her. As he drew closer, her hands clenched, her brows furrowing.

Suddenly, Lucian stopped, motionless. When Roxanne opened her eyes, curiosity met annoyance.

"Ms. Jarvis, there's no need to be so nervous. I will keep my word and not take advantage of you," Lucian said coldly, stunning Roxanne. The children chimed in, "Mommy, Sleeping Beauty doesn't frown!" "Ms. Jarvis, your expression shouldn't change; you're supposed to be asleep!"

Reminded by the children and seeing Lucian's displeasure, Roxanne lowered her gaze self-consciously.