After the children finished their desserts, Roxanne led them back into the kindergarten.
When she returned to the car and saw Lucian’s nonchalant expression, she couldn’t resist asking, “Since when did I agree to go to the movies with you in the afternoon?”
Throwing her a glance, Lucian replied matter-of- factly, “I’m sorry that I took the liberty to decide on your behalf. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have agreed.”
Having her exact thoughts read, Roxanne averted her gaze. She could roughly guess that from Lucian’s perspective, the entire day was meant to be a date. However, it just felt too sudden for her.
When she didn’t say anything in reply, Lucian’s eyes darkened. “We can watch it another day if you’re upset about it. As for the children’s gifts, I’ll get them in the afternoon.”
Detecting the disappointment in his voice, Roxanne quickly shook her head with a smile. “It’s not that. I just thought that I should’ve dressed up for the occasion.”
No sooner had the words left her mouth than Lucian gave her an affectionate look. “That’s not necessary. You always look gorgeous to me.”
His romantic words caused Roxanne’s cheeks to blush. “Even the waitress couldn’t stop gawking at you earlier,” Lucian teased as he started driving. Roxanne retorted, “You’re the one she was ogling at. I didn’t even put on any makeup today.”
On working days, she would wear little to no makeup and dress as simply as possible. If it wasn’t for Lucian, she would probably not be allowed into the restaurant earlier. In response to her complaint, Lucian teased her back, “Are you jealous, Ms. Jarvis?”
Looking out the window, Roxanne caught her breath when she heard the words. When she remained silent, the smiling Lucian stopped pulling her leg and continued driving instead. “The movie is in the evening, so let’s go shopping for the children’s gifts first.”
Roxanne nodded in agreement. After parking their car, both of them took the elevator into the mall. As they walked into the building, Roxanne couldn’t help but recall how Lucian coaxed her into buying matching outfits together with Estella the last time.
Just as Lucian was about to get her opinion about something, he noticed the distracted look on her face and asked, “What’s on your mind?”
Regaining her senses, Roxanne broke into a melancholic smile. “The last time we were here. Essie and I bought matching outfits. Back then
“Back then, I was aware of your relationship with her, and Essie wanted a mother. However, I didn’t tell her about it because I assumed that you had abandoned her. All I could do was help her fulfill her wish, and fortunately, you were kind enough to play along.”
Lucian spoke in a regretful tone as he finished her sentence candidly. The mention of Estella’s history triggered a sense of sorrow in Roxanne. “There’s no way I could ever cast her aside. Throughout the years, I’ve been yearning for her even in my dreams.”
Furrowing her brows, she raised her gaze to look at Lucian. “I wonder who it was that was so cruel to break us, mother and daughter, apart. This same person caused me to believe that Essie died the day she was born!”
When he saw the pain and hatred in Roxanne’s eyes, Lucian pulled her into his embrace as he consoled her, “I was under the wrong impression all this while. Now that I know the truth, I’ll do my best to find that person!”
Finally, Roxanne managed to calm down when she sensed Lucian’s steady breath.
