Chapter 1114
Feeling much better after Archie’s words, Benny nodded enthusiastically. Silence followed. Then, an adorable voice called from behind, “Archie! Benny!”
Turning, they saw a little girl with pigtails leaning against their desk. “When will Essie come back?” she asked nervously. Though close to Estella, she knew nothing of her transfer. Seeing Estella often with Archie and Benny, she’d asked them.
Her question plunged Archie and Benny back into gloom. Yet, seeing her hopeful expression, they couldn't shatter her optimism. “She should be back soon,” they replied.
The girl’s eyes lit up. “I knew Essie would come back! Ms. Ward said she wouldn’t, but I didn’t believe her! I’m so smart!” She happily rejoined the others, leaving Archie and Benny to exchange glances.
“We need Mommy and Daddy to get back together,” Archie said gravely.
Benny understood. “What did Daddy tell Mommy the other day? She looked really upset! And Daddy…” A pang of pain resonated in Benny’s heart as he remembered Lucian’s expression that day. It felt as if Daddy wouldn’t see them anymore. They’d fought before, but never this badly.
Archie shook his head, equally confused. They’d repeatedly asked Mommy what happened, but her answers felt like lies. What was she hiding?
“Is this about Mommy punishing Essie?” Benny suggested.
Archie frowned. “No,” he replied. Mommy wouldn’t have kept it from them if it were that simple. “Come on, think! What could it be?”
Neither had an answer until Benny sat up straight. “C-Could it be about Mr. Damaris?” Daddy and Mommy had clashed over him before, and Mommy and Mr. Damaris had grown closer. Maybe Daddy was angry about that.
Archie’s eyes brightened. Benny had a point!
“Let’s go talk to Mommy! We’ll tell her to stay away from Mr. Damaris because we don’t like him!”
Benny’s suggestion reflected his innocent perspective. Archie, however, considered Roxanne’s situation. “But Mommy’s only in contact with Mr. Damaris because of work.” He turned to Benny, frowning. “We both saw how hard she worked to get that job.” Asking her to give it up just because they disliked Mr. Damaris would be unfair.
Benny’s heart ached remembering Roxanne’s workload. “But maybe Daddy and Mommy are fighting because of Mr. Damaris!” he insisted, still unsure, torn between Roxanne’s career and Lucian.