Chapter 1323

Roxanne felt Lucian's arms tighten around her; her sobs subsided to faint whispers. "Why... why did you...?"

Lucian, a man who commanded the business world, was speechless in the face of Roxanne's tears and question. He could only offer repeated apologies.

"We want hugs too!" Archie and Benny exclaimed, hopping with joy. Their earlier distress had vanished, replaced by pure happiness. For them, the hug was one of unrestrained joy and excitement.

Roxanne, recollecting herself, felt a blush rise as she heard the children. I can't believe I cried so hard in front of the kids... She then saw Estella's tear-streaked face nestled against her, and a smile broke through. She's back! My little angel, whom I thought I'd lost, is right here! Roxanne vowed never to abandon Estella again.

The grimness in Lucian's eyes softened as he saw Roxanne's smile. Noticing Archie and Benny's eagerness, he bent and embraced them, tenderness evident in his gaze. The boys overflowed with joy; they had found their sister, and their father had hugged them.

Suddenly, Lucian released them. Confused, the boys' eyes fell upon a glinting object—the ring Lucian had used to propose.

"Can you please do me a favor and put this ring on your Mommy's finger?" Lucian's voice held an unprecedented gentleness.

The boys exchanged glances. Of course, they would help. And since Estella now called Roxanne "Mommy," they wanted to call Lucian "Daddy," too.

Benny carefully took his mother's hand while Archie slipped the ring onto her finger. Their task complete, they looked up expectantly at Roxanne. She was comforting Estella, her mind so preoccupied that she hadn't fully registered their actions, though she sensed something.

"Please stop crying, Essie. I'll never leave you again. I promise," Roxanne reassured the little girl, patting her back. "From now on, I'll protect you. I won't let anyone bully our Essie. You're my precious little baby."

Estella, still grappling with the day's events, sobbed, "R-Really? You won't leave me, Mommy?"

Roxanne's heart ached at the sight of Estella's red eyes. Without hesitation, she offered her hand. "Let's make a pinky promise! From now on, I promise to take you wherever I go!"

Archie and Benny watched with anticipation. Even Lucian felt an unfamiliar unease.

Roxanne caught a glint of something shiny, but focused on Estella. Estella, however, fixed her gaze on Roxanne's hand.

A few seconds later, a tearful smile illuminated her face. "Mommy, did you say yes to Daddy? Then we're going to be a family! Mommy, you won't leave anymore!" She threw her arms around Roxanne in a tight hug.

Roxanne froze. When did I say yes? She glanced at where Estella had been looking and saw the diamond ring, now on her finger. Remembering the earlier strange sensation, she looked down at Archie and Benny, who stood beside her, smiling adorably.