Chapter 345: Roxanne No Longer Likes Estella?

Roxanne felt even more conflicted when she heard Estella's tiny, adorable voice.

I knew it. I knew Essie's high empathy would make her realize I was distancing myself from Lucian. That's why she'd visited me alone the last few times. Am I truly that important to her?

Seeing Estella's distress, Archie and Benny interceded.

"Mommy, since Essie came alone, can she play with us a little longer?" Benny pleaded, tugging at Roxanne's sleeve.

"Mommy, Mr. Farwell won't come looking for her right away," Archie added. "Let Essie stay a little longer!"

Roxanne remained silent, unsure what to say.

Estella, meanwhile, clung to Roxanne, her gaze lowered, afraid of rejection.

Roxanne glanced at her sons' pleading faces and checked the time. Ah, it's not even 1 p.m. Lucian should still be working. Even if he finds out Essie's here, he probably won't rush over. Besides, this might be my last chance to see her.

Sighing, Roxanne relented.

"All right, you can stay a little longer," she said, ruffling Estella's hair. "Go play with the boys. I'll send you back later."

Archie and Benny's eyes lit up, and they immediately invited Estella to play Lego. However, Estella shook her head and silently followed Roxanne.

I can feel Ms. Jarvis is treating me differently. I didn't even bring Daddy, and she still wants to send me away. Does she hate me like she hates Daddy?

This realization stopped Estella in her tracks. She stared wistfully at Roxanne's back.

Roxanne, sensing the stopped footsteps, turned. Estella's teary eyes met hers; she looked like a wounded animal. This tugged at Roxanne's heart. She hesitated, then returned to Estella. "What's wrong, Essie?"

"You don't like me anymore, Ms. Jarvis," Estella replied, her voice choked with tears.

Roxanne froze, stunned.

Estella looked down dejectedly. "You don't like Daddy, so you sent him away. Now you want to send me away too. You've stopped liking me, Ms. Jarvis."

Roxanne was speechless. She never imagined Estella would reach this conclusion. Of course, she still liked Estella.

But spending more time with her increased the risk of encountering Lucian, who was nothing but trouble. Even if Roxanne didn't mind, she needed to protect Archie and Benny. And, as Sonya said, Lucian's marriage to Aubree was imminent. Continuing to see Lucian or Estella wouldn't be appropriate then.

Yes, I pushed them away, but not because I disliked them. But if I deny Essie's reasoning, wouldn't I also be implying I don't hate Lucian?

(The final sentence is removed as it is a promotional sentence for a website.)