Chapter 1067: Only Friends

After Archie found Estella, he summoned Benny. "Let's go inside and listen to what Mommy's talking about with Mr. Damaris." The others readily agreed.

They carefully opened the door and saw Roxanne chatting with Jack on the single-seat couch. Both adults wore smiles.

The children's alarm bells rang at the sight of Roxanne's faint smile. Uncharacteristically, Estella dashed to Roxanne's side.

"Essie?" Roxanne noticed the children's return. Jack observed them, remarking, "I see the resemblance even clearer now."

This panicked Roxanne. Innocently, Estella asked, "What resemblance, Ms. Jarvis?"

Roxanne patted her head, glanced at Jack, and said, "It's nothing, just a comment from Mr. Damaris." She then stood and addressed Jack. "Is there anything else, Mr. Damaris?"

He recognized her dismissal. Smiling at the children, he said, "It's almost noon. I've known the boys a while, but haven't treated them to a meal. How about lunch?" He looked meaningfully at Estella. "Since Mr. Farwell's daughter is here, consider this my invitation to him as well."

Roxanne felt uneasy. Was he implying something? His invitation seemed strange. She was about to refuse when Estella declared, "Thank you, Mr. Damaris, but I much prefer Ms. Jarvis' cooking!"

The boys nodded in agreement.

Their direct rejection made Jack raise an eyebrow. Roxanne, after a moment, smiled apologetically at Jack. "I'm sorry. Mr. Farwell will collect Essie soon; there's no time for lunch. Perhaps next time?"

Jack nodded casually and rose. "Very well. I'll be going then."

Roxanne escorted him out with the children. Once Jack's car was gone, the children returned to the living room. The flowers on the couch caused their faces to fall.

Roxanne, understanding their reaction, realized they wanted her to be with Lucian. While she didn't reciprocate Jack's supposed feelings, she lacked a future with Lucian, and felt guilty facing the children.

"Ms. Jarvis..." Estella looked down, tugging Roxanne's shirt.

Roxanne knelt. "What's wrong?"

"Is it because you want to be with Mr. Damaris that you can't be my mommy?" The girl's voice was aggrieved.

Roxanne was startled. "Mr. Damaris and I are only friends."

"You accepted Mr. Damaris' flowers, but not Daddy's." Estella recalled Roxanne nearly returning the roses her father had given her at a concert.

Roxanne hesitated. Her conversation with Jack and the children's return had overshadowed the flowers; she'd completely forgotten them. If the children hadn't cared, she wouldn't have remembered either.

Estella tilted her head. "Is it because you like baby's breath and not roses?"