When Estella saw Roxanne confirm a date with Lucian, her face lit up with excitement. Though tears still glistened in her eyes, she smiled brightly. Seeing the children's joy, Roxanne felt a wave of relief and looked at Lucian impassively.
"How about next weekend?" Lucian asked in a deep voice. "Will you be free, Ms. Jarvis?"
Roxanne nodded; further conversation was unnecessary. After saying goodbye to Estella, she drove Archie and Benny home.
On the way, the children called out, "Mommy." Roxanne, still shaken by the play, paused before responding. "What is it?"
Benny hesitated, glancing at Archie. Archie nodded. "Mommy," he asked, "don't you want to go on vacation with Mr. Farwell?" They had witnessed the kiss and sensed Roxanne's hesitation.
Roxanne was unsure how to answer. "Why would you say that?" she asked.
Archie and Benny exchanged looks. "You've been avoiding Mr. Farwell," Archie explained, "and you only promised to chauffeur us until the anniversary celebration. Isn't that because you want to stay away from him? You were hesitant when Essie invited us, too."
Roxanne, distressed, looked at them through the rearview mirror. Their earlier naiveté had been replaced with surprising perceptiveness. Before she could respond, Benny added, "Mommy, your nose will grow longer if you tell lies!"
Roxanne fell silent, swallowing her words. Finally, she replied vaguely, "Don't you want to go with Essie? Essie wants to go with her daddy, so we'll go together."
The children understood. Mommy didn’t answer directly. She must not want to be with Daddy. Mommy will probably continue to avoid Daddy, and if that happens, Essie won’t see Mommy again…
This thought spurred a secret decision: they would shower Estella with attention, ensuring she spent ample time with Roxanne during the vacation. Roxanne remained unaware of their plan, relieved by their silence.
Back at the mansion, Lysa awaited their arrival, dinner prepared. "How was the play today?" she asked with a smile.
The mention of the play plunged Roxanne back into her earlier unease. Archie and Benny exchanged cautious glances, aware of her discomfort regarding the on-stage kiss. Lysa, noticing their prolonged silence, asked with concern, "What's wrong? Did something go wrong?" She observed their strained expressions, then, just as she was about to offer comfort, the boys beamed. "We won first prize!"
Lysa was puzzled. They won first prize, but what are those expressions? Roxanne, especially, seems unhappy.
To avoid further questions about the play, the children quickly ushered Lysa to the living room. "Ms. Lane, we're hungry!"
Lysa readily complied, leading them to the dining room.