Chapter 1917: None of Your Business
Following the wedding, the entire family moved permanently into the manor, including Elias and Sonya, who had been residing in the Farwell main residence. They relocated to make caring for their three children easier.
Meanwhile, Peregrine insisted Roxanne take a one-week wedding leave to relax at home. Lucian had originally planned their honeymoon immediately, but postponed it due to concerns about the upcoming holiday crowds; Roxanne agreed.
It was a beautiful day. The children played enthusiastically in the backyard, sweating on the small football field. Estelle, despite being a girl, excelled at the game, her dribbling skills flawless, thanks to Archie and Benny’s tutelage.
Lucian and Roxanne prepared a picnic near the small lake, complete with barbeque steak, a vegetable salad, fruit, and snacks. Lucian brewed Yirgacheffe coffee using a camping coffee pot and alcohol burner. The rich aroma, a blend of peanut brittle and osmanthus, filled the air. He poured two mugs, offering one to Roxanne.
“Take a sniff first,” he said tenderly. “Don't rush; it's still quite hot.”
Roxanne smiled, accepting the mug. The coffee’s aroma was exquisite. After a cooling blow and a sip, she savored the slightly bitter, subtly sweet flavor. Even the water she drank afterward seemed sweeter. Roxanne cherished these peaceful moments. She called the children over for water, then, as they tired from play and grew hungry, they happily began to eat.
Soon, Elias and Sonya arrived, bringing an outdoor tea set. They chatted and sipped tea, enjoying the relaxed family atmosphere. Openness and emotional honesty flowed easily among them.
“Roxanne, did Grant and Winnie bother you again?” Sonya asked.
Roxanne shook her head. “No. I think they're too embarrassed, and I doubt they dare. Mom, I'm part of the Farwell family now.”
“You're right. If they try to harm or bully you, tell us immediately,” Sonya reassured her.
Roxanne nodded. Unfortunately, their leisure time passed quickly. Evening arrived, and as Lucian and Roxanne packed up, Roxanne’s phone rang.
She checked the caller ID; it was an unknown number. Frowning, she answered.
“I congratulate you on marrying into such a prestigious family,” the caller said. “But how could you disrespect my mother? Who do you think you are? You think you can trample on others just because you have money? Don’t let me catch you; I'll teach you a lesson.”
The voice was instantly familiar: Yuliana. Anger flickered across Roxanne’s face.
“Yuliana,” she said coldly, “You never grow up. Do you think this is still ten years ago?”
Yuliana was speechless for a moment, then continued, “So what if you’re living well now? No one from your family attended the wedding; you’re a laughingstock. How could someone like you deserve happiness?”
Roxanne considered a retort, but seeing the children playing nearby, her anger subsided. She decided to ignore the provocation. She calmly replied, “I don't consider you part of my family. My happiness is none of your concern. Please leave me alone.”
Roxanne hung up.