Chapter 1325

“Okay. I’ll wait for you,” Lucian said, suppressing his disappointment. “Take your time. There’s no rush. I’m willing to wait as long as you need.” He glanced at the diamond ring on Roxanne’s finger. “I hope you’ll keep the ring. Put it on when you’ve decided. I’ll know your answer then.”

Roxanne was touched, but guilt intensified. “Thank you,” she said, finding it difficult to explain her rejection. It wasn’t a lack of faith in him, but a feeling of having wronged Archie and Benny.

Cayden breathed a sigh of relief, seeing Roxanne retain the ring. Mr. Farwell still has a chance, he thought, a good one!

Sonya’s expression darkened. I knew it! she fumed. She’s leaving my son hanging! I’ll never accept her into the Farwell family! Before Sonya could devise a plan, Roxanne approached.

“Why are you here?” Sonya demanded, scowling. “So Lucian proposed? I’ll never accept you!”

Roxanne smiled faintly. “Mrs. Farwell, I don’t expect you to change your opinion easily. I only hope, for Essie’s sake, you’ll treat Archie and Benny better. They’re children. If you have any issues, direct them at me.”

Sonya eyed Roxanne suspiciously. What does she mean? Treat those brats better for Essie? Just because she’s Estella’s mother doesn’t give her the right to lord it over me! Her expression hardened. “I don’t need your instructions!”

Helplessness flickered in Roxanne’s eyes, but she said nothing more, turning to enter the mansion. Lucian followed.

Meanwhile, the children sat on the couch, worried frowns etching their faces. They watched Lucian and Roxanne enter.

“Mommy!” They leaped off the couch, running to Roxanne. Their faces fell, noticing the missing ring. They exchanged silent glances.

Mommy still didn’t say yes to Daddy… Archie and Benny exchanged a look of disappointment. When can we call Mr. Farwell “Dad”? We really want a daddy…

Roxanne, seeing their disappointment, felt sorry but didn’t know how to explain. After a pause, she changed the subject. “It’s late. We should go home.”

Had the proposal succeeded, Roxanne would have stayed. But, having rejected Lucian, she had no reason to remain.

The children became even more upset at the thought of leaving. Roxanne frowned, troubled by their expressions. Just as she considered how to reassure them, Lucian spoke. “Let Essie go home with you tonight. You’ve just reunited; I’m sure she doesn’t want to leave you.”

The children’s faces brightened. Estella looked up at Roxanne with hopeful eyes. Roxanne had the same thought, but was surprised Lucian had voiced it first. Smiling, she picked up Estella. “Of course, Essie. I promised we’d never be apart again.”