Chapter 343: Were You Worried About Me?

After asking a few more questions out of concern, Pippa checked the time and looked troubled. She had agreed to excuse Estella from school, but hadn't taken leave herself, and staying out too long wasn't ideal.

"Since you've visited Archie and Benny, Essie, let's go home," Pippa asked the little girl.

Estella, however, stared at Roxanne and the boys, pursed her lips, and shook her head.

Seeing Estella's reaction, Pippa knew getting her home that day would be difficult. Unsure what to do, she gave Roxanne a beseeching look. Roxanne smiled. "Let Essie stay. I'll send her home later. You can go."

Relieved, Pippa sighed, said goodbye, and left. Roxanne and the children saw her out before returning to the living room.

Estella clutched Pippa's hand tightly the entire time, refusing to let go despite her sweaty palms. Roxanne's heart softened, but she forced herself to remain firm.

She'd let Estella stay because she knew the little girl wouldn't leave easily, and she also needed to talk to her. Roxanne crouched down, looked into Estella's eyes, and was about to speak when Estella's stomach growled.

"Essie's hungry, Mommy," Benny innocently announced.

Roxanne frowned slightly. But seeing the innocent, pitiful face before her, she couldn't bring herself to say what she'd planned. "It's lunchtime. Have lunch with us, Essie," she said instead.

Estella nodded obediently. On the way to the restaurant, she clutched Roxanne's hand tightly, staring intently at Benny, her eyes filled with concern.

Benny knew Estella was worried about him, but he'd also noticed her silence since arriving. To encourage her to talk, he pretended to be oblivious and quietly sat at the dining table.

Noticing Benny's clear acknowledgement of her gaze yet continued silence, Estella felt anxious.

Opposite her, Benny feigned discomfort, occasionally peeking at Estella.

Anxious, she stammered, "B-Benny!"

He finally met her gaze. "What's the matter?"

Estella frowned and pointed to his stomach. "Not feeling well," she whispered.

Benny smiled reassuringly. "I'm fine! Didn't you hear Mommy? We're going back to kindergarten in two days!"

Relieved, Estella smiled and nodded obediently.

Benny then asked, "Did you cry earlier? Were you worried about me?" [The sentence regarding Findnovel.net has been removed as it is an advertisement.]

Roxanne and Archie also looked over. They'd noticed the tear marks and reddened eyes since Estella's arrival but hadn't asked.

Roxanne had planned to explain the situation to Estella, sever ties, and be ruthless. She hadn't expected this warmth. Hearing Benny's question, her concern for Estella remained.

Estella, noticing everyone looking at her, smiled more brightly. Believing they were concerned for her, she felt a return to her time living with Roxanne. She nodded, admitting she'd cried because she'd been worried about Benny.

Seeing her nod, Roxanne felt inexplicably heavy-hearted.