Chapter 252: Leaving the Country After Divorce
Estella, wearing a blue lace top and a long white skirt, looked like a little princess. A large red ribbon adorned her head, and a faint blush graced her fair complexion. Everyone at the kindergarten knew she was Lucian's daughter. So, when they saw her clutching a woman's dress, looking distressed, all eyes turned to the little girl. Roxanne, already fond of Estella, found herself at a loss with so many people staring.
She glanced at Lucian, who was engaged in a polite conversation with other parents at a distance, seemingly oblivious to the scene unfolding. Roxanne could only retract her gaze, crouch down, and pat Estella's head.
"There's no way I would dislike you, Essie. You're such a good girl."
Estella sniffled. "You never visit me, Ms. Jarvis! I miss you so much!" Roxanne's heart melted. She wanted to hug Estella, but the watchful eyes of the crowd prevented her. She took the little girl's hands instead. "I've been very busy recently and only returned from a business trip two days ago."
Confusion flickered across Estella's face. "Why did you walk away then? If you like me, why didn't you spend more time with me?"
Roxanne couldn't tell Estella she'd left because of Lucian. Estella's disappointment was evident in her pout. Roxanne felt guilty.
Just as she struggled to comfort Estella, Lucian's shadow fell over them. He'd approached unnoticed. He looked down at Roxanne with an unreadable expression.
After a moment, he said in a hoarse voice, "Essie, Ms. Jarvis has to look after Archie and Benny. Let's not bother her." He bent down to take Estella's hand.
Reluctant to leave, Estella moved closer to Roxanne. "I want to stay with Ms. Jarvis." Lucian and Roxanne's faces froze. The onlookers were watching Lucian intently, their gazes fixed on Roxanne. Panic surged through her.
She had anticipated this when she agreed to the activity with Archie and Benny, but she was unprepared for the awkwardness of the situation. Her plan had been to leave, but Estella made that impossible.
Lucian straightened up and addressed Roxanne. "Ms. Jarvis, perhaps we could stay a while longer?"
Estella looked at Roxanne expectantly. Roxanne hesitated, then nodded. Archie and Benny eyed Lucian cautiously, but they were also excited; it was their first class activity, and having both parents present was a delight, despite their dislike for their father.
Roxanne stood, glancing at the crowd. She didn't reach for Estella's hand. Lucian understood, his eyes darkening. He took Estella's hand and pulled her to his side. This time, Estella didn't resist. She obediently took his hand, but her eyes remained fixed on Roxanne.