Chapter 1198

Benny asked adorably, “But Mommy is still sick. What can we do?”

Archie’s expression hardened as he turned to Estella. “Since Mommy’s sick, let’s talk to Mr. Farwell first. Did you see how worried he was? I believe he still loves Mommy!” It was up to Estella to convince Lucian. Estella understood immediately and nodded firmly. “I’ll go find Daddy now!” She spun to leave.

Archie grabbed her hand. “You can’t just leave!” He knew Lucian would dismiss them if they asked directly. "We have to be clever!" The children huddled together, whispering.

Minutes later, Estella returned, her eyes red. Cayden approached, concerned. “Ms. Estella! Why are you still awake? Can’t you sleep?”

Estella nodded sadly, whispering, “Daddy.”

Cayden knelt, meeting her gaze. “Do you want to see Mr. Farwell?”

Estella nodded firmly. Cayden stood and knocked on Roxanne’s ward. Lucian emerged shortly afterward. His brows furrowed at the sight of Estella. “What’s wrong?”

Estella flung her arms around his legs, sobbing, “I want Ms. Jarvis! I want her.”

Lucian’s gaze darkened. Roxanne was asleep when he left; he didn’t want Estella to disturb her. Estella’s voice choked as she said, “I dreamed Ms. Jarvis didn’t want me anymore. And…” Tears streamed down her cheeks.

A deep line creased Lucian’s brow. “And what else?”

“Mommy…” Estella choked out. “I dreamed about Mommy.”

Lucian’s gaze darkened. He remembered Estella calling Roxanne “Mommy” before. Now this dream. He blurted out, “Why did you call Roxanne ‘Mommy’ earlier?”

Estella’s tears were genuine; her concern for Roxanne was real. She promptly wrapped her arms around Lucian’s neck, sobbing, “I want Ms. Jarvis to be my mommy! Daddy, don’t be mad at her. I don’t want her to get sick!”

Everyone, including Lucian, was shocked by Roxanne’s illness; he understood Estella’s feelings. Lucian’s thoughts swirled. He longed to say yes, but recalled Roxanne’s attempts to avoid him. He had cared for her greatly, yet she still distanced herself.