Chapter 130: Estella Recovered

Archie and Benny were stunned to see tears streaming down Estella's cheeks. Unsure whether to comfort her, they realized she seemed distressed by their mother's injury—a response to the outside world that filled them with relief. However, Estella's watery eyes broke their hearts. They turned to their mother for help, only to find her wincing in pain as she cleaned her wound. This calmed Archie and Benny, though their eyes continued to flit between their mother and Estella.

Later, Lucian pulled Roxanne's arm from the running water. Roxanne examined her wound; though still red, the pain had subsided. Lucian, noticing her assessment, asked with concern, "What's the matter? Does it still hurt badly?"

Roxanne tensed, then shook her head. "I'm much better. I'll treat it, and it'll be fine." She shook off Lucian's hand and started toward the door.

Turning, she saw her sons' worried expressions. Following their gaze, she saw Estella sobbing silently, her small body trembling. It was the first time Roxanne had seen her cry since her autism diagnosis. Deeply concerned by the girl's distress, Roxanne asked, "Why are you crying? Were you frightened?"

Crouching, Roxanne reached out to wipe Estella's tears. However, Estella threw herself into Roxanne's arms, her gaze fixed on Roxanne's injured arm.

Roxanne was startled, but this surprise quickly turned to joy. It mirrored Estella's past behavior—jumping into Roxanne's arms whenever she saw her. Even though Estella was crying, she was reacting to her surroundings.

Roxanne hugged the girl with her uninjured arm and tentatively asked, "Essie, have you recovered? Do you know who I am?"

Estella nodded slightly, still sniffling. Archie and Benny's eyes lit up; they approached Estella and pointed at themselves. "Then do you know who we are?"

Estella remained focused on Roxanne's injured arm, ignoring them. The boys were disappointed.

Sensing their feelings, Roxanne ruffled Estella's hair. "The boys are here too. Do you see them? They've been taking care of you for the past two days."

Estella slowly lifted her head, glanced at the boys, gave a small nod, and then returned her gaze to Roxanne.

"Mommy, she sees you're hurt, and she's worried about you," Archie explained.

Roxanne froze, then understood: Estella was staring at her injured arm. Her heart softened. She'd expected a longer recovery process, but Estella had emerged from her world because Roxanne was hurt.

"I'm fine. Don't worry," Roxanne said, showing Estella her arm.

Estella carefully blew on the wound. Roxanne's smile deepened. She patted Estella's head. "Thank you, Essie. It doesn't hurt anymore."

Estella's sobbing subsided.

"I'm a doctor, and I'm good at my job. This is nothing. It'll heal quickly. Why don't you come with me?" Roxanne stood.

Estella nodded eagerly, grabbing Roxanne's shirt and following her.

(Note: The promotional message at the end has been removed as requested.)