Chapter 1115

The two boys continued discussing the matter throughout the day. Benny, the more emotional of the two, simply wanted Jack to leave so Roxanne and Lucian could reunite. Archie, more rational, was concerned about affecting Roxanne's career. Neither reached a conclusion by the end of school.

"Archie! Benny! Look who's there!"

Pippa spotted Roxanne waiting at the front gate as they left the classroom. Preoccupied, Archie and Benny didn't notice her until Pippa pointed her out. Roxanne appeared equally lost in thought. Her expression, however, solidified their resolve to help her and Lucian reconcile.

"Mommy!" Benny called, running toward her.

Startled from her reverie, Roxanne patted his head and instinctively scanned the crowd. Despite confirming Lucian's feelings that morning, she had come to school looking for someone. She refused to give up hope, but still saw no sign of Estella.

Archie, walking more slowly, noticed Roxanne searching for Estella. Huh. I don’t get it. Why would Mommy keep fighting with Daddy if she cares about Essie so much?

"Let's go home, Mommy!" Benny said softly as Archie approached.

Roxanne smiled and nodded, but remained rooted to the spot. Maybe I should wait a little while longer.

Realizing her hesitation, Archie took her hand. "Essie didn't come to school today, Mommy." Roxanne froze, surprised he'd understood her unspoken thoughts.

"Come on, let's go home!" Archie added, gently pulling her hand.

Accepting reality, Roxanne replied with a wry smile, "All right, let's go." Hand in hand, they walked toward her car. Only in the car did Benny realize Roxanne had been searching for Estella.

After a day of discussion and witnessing Roxanne's search, Benny couldn't help but ask, "Mommy, could you give Mr. Farwell a call and ask him how Essie is doing?"

The question startled Roxanne, causing her to grip the steering wheel tighter. She wanted to explain that calling Lucian wasn't convenient, but seeing their worry about Estella, she couldn't.

Hesitating, Roxanne replied, "I'll give him a call tonight and tell you boys about it tomorrow."

"Okay!" Benny, assuming the conflict wasn't serious, leaned back. Archie, however, jabbed his arm, conveying a silent message. Their shared understanding was immediate. Mommy's lying! She’s not going to actually make that phone call!

Disappointment washed over Benny. He remained silent for the rest of the ride home.