Chapter 134: To Not Be With Him

At the Farwell residence, Sonya and Elias were preparing to rest when the doorbell rang. They hastily opened the door to find Samuel and Gina, their faces apologetic. Aubree stood behind them, eyes red.

"What happened?" Sonya asked, noticing their expressions.

Gina glared at Aubree. Aubree's eyes were bloodshot, and remorse was etched on her face. Her voice was hoarse as she said, "Mrs. Farwell, I've come to apologize."

Sonya, puzzled, led them to the couch. After a maid served tea, she asked, "What happened? Why are you apologizing?"

Aubree kept her head down. "Yesterday morning, you asked Essie to get into my car. I thought she'd be quiet on the way to kindergarten, but she became disruptive, insisting on getting out. She even tried to open the door. I tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen. Finally, I stopped the car and I hit her a few times."

Sonya and Elias's expressions darkened at the mention of Aubree hitting Estella.

Aubree continued miserably, "I didn't mean to. I know it was wrong. Estella is so cute, and she's your precious daughter. I feel terrible. I should have been more patient."

Sonya's expression softened slightly at Aubree's remorse. "If you know you did wrong, you should apologize to Essie, not us. Don't let it happen again."

A conflicted look crossed Aubree's face. "Mrs. Farwell, I thought so, but Lucian found out. He's furious"

"He's understandably angry. Talk to him," Sonya said, a line appearing between her brows. She felt Lucian's reaction was excessive.

Aubree visibly paled.

"I'll do anything for Lucian's forgiveness, but" she trailed off.

Gina interjected, "Sonya, it's worse than you know. Lucian was furious last night. He even attacked Aubree. Look." She lifted Aubree's hair, revealing a bruise on her neck.

Sonya and Elias were shocked. They hadn't imagined Lucian would be so rough.

Once they recovered, Sonya asked, "How bad is the bruise?"

Aubree shook her head. "It's nothing. As long as Lucian forgives me"

Sonya's anger toward Aubree lessened, seeing Aubree's remorse and injury. They knew Aubree's history and that Estella could be difficult; caring for her was challenging. Sonya understood why Aubree had reacted as she did.

"Lucian's just angry. I apologize on his behalf. Don't take this to heart," Sonya said.

Tears welled in Aubree's eyes. "I'm fine, but I might not be able to be with Lucian anymore. I can't even care for Essie properly. I've betrayed your trust. If Lucian chooses Roxanne, I'll give them my blessing."

(The extraneous promotional text has been removed.)