Roxanne breathed a sigh of relief at how easily she'd found a nanny. Having expected a more extensive search, she was surprised to find such a promising candidate so readily.

“Come over tomorrow morning,” Roxanne proposed after briefly discussing Lysa’s salary. “I’ll draw up the contract by then. You can sign it if everything is satisfactory.”

Lysa nodded. After bidding farewell, she departed with her tools, leaving Roxanne and the others in the living room.

Though Roxanne’s mood improved after speaking with Lysa, her formality returned when she addressed Lucian. “I’m sorry for the trouble of bandaging my wound and finding a housekeeper. I owe you a debt of gratitude.”

A strange glint flickered in Lucian’s deep eyes. He quickly suppressed it and responded with similar detachment, “Don’t mention it. Essie and I were the ones to trouble you. Consider this a token of my gratitude.”

Estella vigorously agreed. She even ran to Roxanne, gazing intently at her bandaged finger.

Roxanne smiled, stroking the little girl’s head. “It’s all right. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt.”

Estella delicately touched Roxanne’s fingers. Assured there was no problem, she smiled sweetly.

Roxanne’s heart softened.

“It’s getting late. We’ve overstayed our welcome,” Lucian said, looking down at Estella. “Say goodbye to Ms. Jarvis and the boys, Essie.”

Reluctantly, Estella waved goodbye to the boys, looking forward to seeing them the next day.

The boys reciprocated, waving. “See you at kindergarten tomorrow!”

Essie nodded vigorously. Lucian took her hand and, after a final goodbye, left.

Roxanne only fully relaxed when his car disappeared from the driveway. The two boys, however, gazed longingly in the direction of his departure.

Roxanne realized they missed Estella. “Come on, boys. Let’s go inside,” she said softly. “You’ll see Essie tomorrow.”

The boys slowly looked away and followed her back to the mansion.

After closing the door, Roxanne solemnly looked into her sons’ eyes. “I have something to tell you.”

Archie and Benny were puzzled by her seriousness.

“If Essie’s father ever asks your ages, tell him you’re a year younger than Essie. Understand?”

The boys understood but feigned ignorance. “Why?” they demanded.

Roxanne hesitated, sighing helplessly. “There’s no reason. Just do as I say, please.”

The boys exchanged glances before slowly nodding. Archie remained emotionless, but his brother looked confused.

(The following is a separate internal monologue/thought process, and should not be incorporated into the main narrative):

It’s clear why Mommy wants us to tell Daddy we’re a year younger than Essie. It’s to prevent him from discovering we’re his. What happened between Mommy and Daddy? He was kind to her, wasn’t he? Why doesn’t Mommy want him to know we’re his children?

(Remove the following promotional sentence entirely):

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