Leaving the Country After Divorce, Chapter 254

Lucian had just settled with Estella when she began twisting in his arms. He frowned in puzzlement. Estella, meanwhile, was staring intently at Roxanne.

"Ms. Jarvis hasn't carried me in a long time," Estella said. "I want her to carry me, too. And being held by Daddy isn't comfortable at all."

Roxanne had intended to ignore them, but Estella's persistent gaze forced her to turn.

"Ms. Jarvis," Estella said, reaching for Roxanne.

Seeing Roxanne struggling with Archie, Lucian tightened his grip on Estella.

"Stop messing around, Essie," he said. Estella, increasingly uncomfortable, squirmed more.

"I want Ms. Jarvis to carry me!" Several people noticed the commotion.

Roxanne, wanting to avoid further attention, nodded to Lucian. "Give her to me. I'll carry her." She extended an arm.

Estella immediately leaned into her embrace. Roxanne now held both children, making her seat cramped.

Lucian, furrowing his brow, said softly, "Let me take Archie."

Roxanne was surprised. Considering Archie's relationship with Lucian, she felt conflicted. She knew Archie resented Lucian and doubted he'd agree; Archie was usually cold and indifferent. To her surprise, however, Archie stretched his arms toward Lucian.

Both Roxanne and Lucian's expressions changed. A hint of surprise flashed in Lucian's eyes; he hadn't expected Archie to comply. He took Archie. Roxanne lowered her gaze, an inexplicable sense of fear rising within her. Archie had likely acted to spare Roxanne. Though he reached for Lucian, his expression remained tense. Once in Lucian's arms, he sat still, staring straight ahead.

It was Lucian's first time holding a child other than Estella, so his movements were cautious. Benny, watching from the middle seat, felt envious.

Silence fell, broken only by Estella's happy babbling as she played with Roxanne's fingers. They remained silent throughout the journey.

Finally, they arrived. Archie immediately leaped from Lucian's arms, joining Benny as they waited to disembark. Roxanne put down Estella, who returned to Lucian. As they exited, Roxanne took Archie's and Benny's hands; Lucian held Estella's. The bus incident seemed forgotten.

Outside, verdant greenery greeted them. The kindergarten's tree-planting site was a botanical garden in the suburbs, halfway up a mountain, surrounded by lush forest. It felt vibrant and alive, but quite remote, with only one nearby hotel.

Pippa had tried to secure an additional room for Lucian and Estella, but the hotel was fully booked, leaving her anxious and regretful. She immediately sought out Lucian.

"Mr. Farwell, the hotel is full. I'm afraid you'll have to share a room with another parent."

Lucian frowned, glancing at Estella. "I don't mind sharing, but Essie might not."