Chapter 1034: Quit Fighting

Archie and Benny knew Estella wouldn't be happy about the new school. However, Roxanne's reddened eyes dissuaded them from pressing the issue.

“We got it, Mommy,” Roxanne offered a strained smile. “Let’s finish dinner and get to bed early.” The boys nodded obediently, though they ate their dinner absentmindedly, returning to their rooms after only a few bites.

Roxanne lay on her bed, gazing at the conch shell Estella had given her, a complex mix of emotions churning within. She’d just heard Archie and Benny recount their fun day with Estella, only to learn Lucian had transferred her to a new school. Roxanne vividly imagined Estella's tears, but felt powerless to offer comfort. She lacked the courage even to ask how Estella was faring. The thought of Estella's distress caused a sharp pain in her chest.

Meanwhile, in Archie and Benny's room, the brothers huddled together on the bed.

“Don’t cry. Don’t soil my bed with your snot,” Archie said, his expression tense as he watched his sniffling brother. Tears welled in Benny’s eyes, but under Archie’s gaze, he fought back his sobs.

“Essie must be crying her eyes out,” Benny whispered.

Archie nodded. “That’s why we have to comfort her.”

“But Mommy forbids us from seeing Essie,” Benny said, deflating.

“Then we’ll go secretly,” Archie declared, already formulating a plan.

Benny’s eyes lit up. They sat up, whispering their escape plan.

“Mommy’s busy with work. She won’t notice if we’re at school. We’ll ask Ms. Ward for a leave of absence to see Essie.” Despite his young age, Archie spoke with surprising maturity.

Benny nodded, then hesitated. “But what if Mommy finds out…?”

Archie frowned. “She won’t. We’ll leave our watches at home. She’ll think we’re sick and stayed home. We’ll be back before she gets home at night.”

The plan seemed foolproof. Benny readily agreed. “It’ll be even better if we see Daddy.”

Even if they cheered Estella, they were powerless to change Lucian's decision unless they could talk to him. The best outcome would be to ask him not to transfer Estella.

Benny's naive hope mirrored Archie's own.

“I really hope Daddy and Mommy will reconcile,” Archie said, understanding Benny’s unspoken thoughts.

Benny’s sadness returned. Archie hugged him reassuringly. “They will. If we see Daddy tomorrow, we’ll convince him not to transfer Essie and to stop fighting with Mommy.”

Benny nodded vigorously. “Okay!”

The brothers whispered to each other, their anticipation of seeing Lucian the next day fueling their conversation until they fell asleep on their small bed.