Chapter 344: Melted Heart

After lunch, Archie and Benny wanted to play with Estella, but Roxanne stopped them. "You two can play by yourselves. I'm sending Essie home."

She had wanted to explain things to Estella but couldn't bring herself to say anything harsh, especially after the little girl's outburst. Sending her home seemed the only option.

Despite Archie and Benny's reluctance, they obediently nodded at their mother. However, without Estella, they lost interest and stood silently beside her and their mother.

Estella, however, was upset by Roxanne's words. When Roxanne looked at her, she pouted and looked away, refusing to speak. [Remove the promotional sentence about Findnovel.net]

Seeing the little girl's aversion, Roxanne's heart ached.

"My goodness," she thought, "Essie has never ignored me like this before. I never would have been so cruel if I had a choice. I treat her like the daughter I lost! I want to be with her forever, but her family keeps us apart."

Gazing at Estella's delicate profile, Roxanne composed herself, gently taking the little girl's shoulders. "Essie, I'll send you home, okay?"

The child pretended not to hear, staring at the ground. Tears welled up in her eyes when she blinked.

Roxanne's throat tightened. After a moment, she frowned. "I promised Ms. Ward I'd send you back. If you stay too long, she'll tell your father, and he'll come looking for me."

She didn't want Lucian to come.

Estella looked up at Roxanne.

Roxanne thought Estella might agree, but the little girl mumbled, "Daddy won't come." Roxanne was taken aback.

Estella, having not spoken much lately, stumbled over her words. "I-I won't let Ms. Ward tell Daddy." She approached Roxanne, tugging at her shirt with a pitiful expression. "I want to stay with you, Ms. Jarvis." Roxanne didn't flinch; she was used to Estella's tactics.

Before Roxanne realized it, Estella had clung to her.

Seeing the little girl's sadness and vulnerability, Roxanne's heart melted.

For some time, she had avoided Lucian and Estella, acting colder than before. Estella, being so sensitive, must have noticed this distancing.

Roxanne had hoped that time would lessen Estella's dependence and her own longing. But Estella clung to her stubbornly. And Roxanne? Even after so long apart, her heart still softened at the sight of her.

Seeing Roxanne wasn't pushing her away, Estella leaned closer, murmuring, "Ms. Jarvis, I know you don't like Daddy. I won't let Daddy come. Please don't send me away."