Chapter 703: On a Date

Just as the children were about to negotiate their way out of trouble, they heard footsteps at the entrance. They fell silent, turning toward the door to see Roxanne, holding a bouquet of flowers, looking bewildered.

“Mommy!” Archie and Benny rushed toward her, overjoyed at her return. Roxanne, however, frowned at the man in her living room. Lucian. What was he doing here?

She glanced at the flowers, feeling a pang of guilt. Lucian, too, noticed the flowers, his annoyance flaring. She'd refused his gifts before; now, she held someone else's—likely Larry's or Jack's. What did she think he was?

“Mommy?” Getting no response, Benny tugged at Roxanne’s shirt. “I need Mommy to convince Daddy to let us eat fried chicken again!”

Roxanne's attention snapped back to Benny; his anxious expression tugged at her heart. Suppressing her own unsettled feelings, she ruffled his hair. “What is it?”

“We had fried chicken for lunch,” Benny announced.

Roxanne was puzzled. Why was he telling her this? While abroad, she usually made their lunch, resorting to takeout only when busy, often fast food. They should be accustomed to it by now.

Benny, sensing her confusion, added, “Mr. Farwell said it wasn’t healthy, and we shouldn’t eat too much.”

Roxanne understood. Just as she was about to reassure Benny, she remembered Estella had been with them. While Archie and Benny were used to fast food, Estella might not be. Lucian's comment was likely directed at her.

Roxanne caressed Benny’s head, then looked at Lucian. He stood still, Estella beside him, looking aggrieved, her small hand clasped in his. Meeting Roxanne’s gaze, Estella softly greeted, “Ms. Jarvis.”

Estella had wanted to run to Roxanne, but Lucian had stopped her, and she wasn't sure why.

Roxanne smiled at Estella, then met Lucian’s gaze. “Mr. Farwell.”

Lucian, eyes fixed on the flowers, was exasperated. Coldly, he said, “You’re an interesting woman, Ms. Jarvis. How could you go on a date while your children were eating fast food for lunch?”

Feeling guilty, Roxanne began, “I’m sorry. I forgot… I forgot to remind my friend. Archie and Benny are used to it from when we were abroad. My friend might have—”

Lucian interrupted, “Ms. Jarvis, you were busy dating. How could you have remembered anything?”