Chapter 624

After Jack left, Roxanne searched for a vase for the roses. Seeing them brought back the emotions she had suppressed, flooding her with a wave of feeling. With a slight frown, she returned to her desk, her mind a turmoil. She forced herself to focus on the computer screen, but even prolonged staring yielded little retention. When it was time to leave, Roxanne went straight home; overtime was unnecessary.

At the office, the roses on her desk constantly occupied her thoughts, intensifying her inner turmoil with each glance. Arriving home to find Lysa, Archie, and Benny absent, Roxanne decided to cook dinner to clear her head.

As she finished, the mansion door opened. Placing the dishes on the table, she greeted them with a smile. "Darlings!"

Happiness shone in Archie's and Benny's eyes. "Mommy!" Lysa was equally surprised. "Why are you home so early, Ms. Jarvis?"

Roxanne's usual workday ended long after the children returned home. Today, however, she was not only earlier but had also prepared dinner. She replied nonchalantly, "I had some free time, so I came back first. Dinner's ready! Wash your hands and eat while it's hot!"

"Okay!" Archie and Benny raced to the bathroom, then returned to the table.

During dinner, Archie and Benny inquired about Roxanne's injury. "Mommy, how's your injury?"

Roxanne smiled gently. "The pain is gone. Once the scab heals, I'll be as good as new."

Archie and Benny nodded in relief. Moments later, they asked, "Mommy, since you left work early, why didn't you pick us up?"

Roxanne was startled. Lucian's noontime words filled her mind, preventing her from even considering picking them up. She was actively avoiding Lucian and Estella, but couldn't explain that to the boys.

After a pause, she offered an excuse. "I haven't worked in a while, so I was quite drained after a full day. That's why I didn't pick you up. You don't blame me, right?"

Archie and Benny immediately shook their heads. "It's alright, Mommy. You should come home and rest if you're tired."

Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

Later, the boys eyed her cautiously. "Mommy, could you pick us up tomorrow morning?"

It had been a while since Roxanne had picked them up or dropped them off. They seemed saddened by the contrast with other children whose parents provided this service.

Roxanne initially suspected Estella was the cause, but their expressions revealed otherwise. "Could you tell me why you asked?"

Archie and Benny exchanged glances. "The other kids have their daddy and mommy to pick them up..."

The boys looked at Roxanne with hurt in their eyes. Roxanne's heart ached. She hadn't anticipated their sensitivity.

Gathering herself, she replied, "Okay. I'll pick you up tomorrow."