Mission: To Remarry

"I'm sorry," Roxanne said gently, releasing the three children. "Something came up last night, so I couldn't pick you up. Have you eaten yet?"

Archie, Benny, and Estella nodded obediently. "Yes! We've eaten! We've been playing for a long time!"

She sighed with relief. "What were you playing? Show me."

Benny dashed toward the living room excitedly. "We were playing with the Lego bricks Mr. Farwell gave us! It's really fun!"

Archie and Estella stayed by Roxanne's side, each holding one of her hands as she smiled and watched Benny. The Lego bricks Lucian had given them clearly met their expectations—in design, difficulty, and enjoyment. In just one night, the children had already built a base.

However, Roxanne found the Lego set somewhat boyish. She looked at Estella with concern. "Essie, do you like this toy?"

Estella's eyes lit up as she nodded fervently.

As long as I can play with Archie and Benny, I'm fine with playing anything!

Relieved, Roxanne glanced at the clock. It was still early, so she played with them for a while longer. Archie and Benny, accustomed to building Lego with her, began constructing their models seriously. Roxanne chose a model and started to build as well.

While searching for a piece, she felt someone tug her skirt twice. Turning around, she saw Estella looking pitiful and helpless, holding the instruction booklet and pointing at a piece she couldn't find.

Roxanne smiled adoringly. Just as she was about to help, she remembered Estella's previous reticence—speaking only a word or two when emotional.

Roxanne feigned confusion. "What's wrong?"

Estella pointed repeatedly at the piece, but Roxanne continued to stare blankly. Estella grew anxious and pouted.

Roxanne's heart softened. She caressed Estella's head. "If you want me to do something, you should say it out loud and tell me."

Estella blinked innocently and opened her mouth. Roxanne waited expectantly, but after several attempts, no words came. Discouraged, Estella poked Archie and Benny, who were engrossed in their builds.

Having played with Estella, Archie and Benny understood her gesture. They were about to help when they saw Roxanne shaking her head behind Estella. They obediently returned to their models.

Roxanne patiently repeated, "Essie can speak, right? Come on. Tell us. What do you want us to do?"

Archie and Benny nodded. "Essie, what's the matter?"

All three looked at Estella expectantly. She tried to speak, her face flushing red, but no words emerged. Panic and distress set in; her eyes reddened.

Roxanne, observing Estella's distress, quickly caressed her cheeks. "I'm sorry, Essie. I was rushing things. Let's take it slow. Shhh… Don't cry."

Meanwhile, Archie and Benny had found the missing piece. They happily showed it to Estella. "Essie, look! Is this what you wanted? We found it for you!"

Estella took the piece, sniffled, and gradually smiled.

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