Roxanne comforted Benny with a smile. "I know you didn't mean it. I just need some time to recover from the shock." The boy gazed at her doubtfully for a moment. When convinced, he nodded slowly, pursed his lips, and gave her a hug.

"Let's have breakfast. It's getting late," Roxanne said, caressing his head. All the children nodded, and the four of them went downstairs together.

A five-person breakfast awaited them. Lucian, scrolling on his phone, sat on the couch; his rolled-up sleeves revealed lean, muscular forearms. Roxanne, wanting to be discreet, held the children's hands and urged them to be quiet, but Lucian still noticed them. Their gazes met.

What had happened the previous night flooded back. Roxanne searched his face for clues to his thoughts, but found no emotion in his eyes. His nonchalant gaze suggested the night before was merely a dream. "I know it was real," she thought. "I saw the glass of water and hangover pills this morning. I can't believe I told him how I felt six years ago."

Since waking, Roxanne's mind had been a whirlwind, trying to gauge Lucian's feelings. His indifference was unsettling, suggesting her worry was unwarranted. Feeling pathetic, she withdrew her gaze and continued downstairs with the children.

"Daddy!" Estella exclaimed. Lucian quickly looked at her, put away his phone, and stood.

"Good morning, Mr. Farwell," Benny greeted.

Both Roxanne and Lucian were stunned. Lucian had expected complete avoidance from the children, who had always disliked him. Benny's greeting caught him completely off guard. Roxanne was equally astonished. They both realized the reason for the change: the man had found Benny, and the boy's affection had grown. They simply hadn't anticipated such a rapid transformation.

After a moment's silence, Lucian smiled. "Good morning, everyone. Let's have breakfast. The food's been ready for a while." The children hurried to the dining room.

Roxanne followed slowly, heavyhearted, avoiding Lucian's gaze. At the bar counter, she glanced at the wine bottle. "There's less than a third left," she murmured. Then, furrowing her brows, she realized, "Wait. I may have been tipsy, but I remember drinking only half the bottle."