Chapter 2027: Her Birthday

Upon returning to the Farwell residence, Elias and Sonya inquired about Grant's condition. Seeing his wife's exhaustion, Lucian sent her upstairs to rest. He then updated the others. "He's fine! Roxanne's medical skills are truly amazing. The hospital gave him only half a month to live, but she's extended that to three months!"

Elias was awestruck by Roxanne's abilities. Sonya, however, remained indifferent. "People like Grant don't deserve to live that long. Fortunately, he has such a capable daughter, though he's never treated her well."

Before leaving for school to collect the children, Lucian instructed the couple to avoid mentioning Grant's illness in front of the children.

Upon their return, the children eagerly sought their mother. Lucian gently dissuaded them, "Your mommy is a little tired today. Let her rest a while!" The three children nodded obediently, promising to be good.

After a long nap, Roxanne awoke feeling refreshed. The early-pregnancy sleepiness was normal. As she left the room, the children rushed towards her, beaming. "Mommy, you're awake!" Their joy lifted her spirits.

"Mommy, I have a gift for you!" Estella kissed her mother and darted into her room. Returning, she held a beautifully knitted scarf. Crouching to hug her daughter, Roxanne felt the scarf gently draped around her neck. Estella, after adjusting it, asked expectantly, "Mommy, is it comfortable? Do you feel warm?"

"Essie is brilliant! The pattern is exquisite. It's no wonder she's a little design genius. The scarf is so soft and fluffy, it suits me perfectly. Thank you so much," Roxanne praised, readily showering her children with affection.

The little girl beamed, giving her brothers a knowing glance, as if she'd won something. Archie and Benny, sensing her success, felt their own gifts might be overshadowed.

"Mommy, I have something for you too!"

"Me too, Mommy. It's getting cold soon. Look what I prepared for you!"

The boys rushed into their room and presented their gifts, puzzling Roxanne. Their competition made her wonder if there was a special occasion.

Then it struck her. Today was her birthday! She'd almost forgotten; it fell right after the winter solstice.

Archie presented an emerald necklace. "Mommy, I found this emerald at the market. It's several hundred years old, but the shopkeeper didn't know its value. I got it at a discount and polished it myself!"

Roxanne, her eyes tender, accepted the necklace, feeling its warm, smooth coolness. Though the emerald's color wasn't perfectly pure, its polished finish revealed Archie's care. She kissed him. "Mommy really likes this gift!"

"And me, and me! Mommy, I also have a gift!" Benny, anxious, quickly opened his box.

Roxanne's eyes lit up. It was an exquisitely carved wooden sculpture, delicate and hyper-realistic.

"Mommy, I bought this at the wood market. It's wood that's been submerged in water all year. I could only make it this small because I only bought a small piece." The sculpture was a goddess.

Roxanne praised Benny's craftsmanship. "It's amazing! Mommy loves it too. I didn't expect you to be so thoughtful!"

Finally, she embraced all three. "Mommy loves all your birthday gifts! Thank you so much!"

A wave of nervousness followed. What should she get them for their birthdays? Where could she find meaningful gifts? The weight of motherhood pressed down on her.