Chapter 346: Picking Her Mommy

"Don't dislike me, Ms. Jarvis," Estella pleaded, clinging to Roxanne's shirt and burying her face in Roxanne's embrace.

Roxanne turned, squatting to meet Estella's hug. "I don't dislike you," she said helplessly.

"Why are you chasing me away, Ms. Jarvis?" Estella mumbled.

Roxanne sensed Estella's impending tears. She hugged her tightly, gently wiping away the tears welling in her eyes.

Estella, lips pursed, stared at Roxanne, waiting for an answer.

Finally, Roxanne said, "I'm not sending you away because I dislike you. It's just that we shouldn't be so close."

Estella furrowed her brow, tilting her head in confusion. I like Ms. Jarvis a lot, and we've always been this close. Why should things be different now? Is it because of Daddy?

Anxiety rising, she said cautiously, "I won't tell Daddy. I can come without him knowing."

Roxanne was briefly stunned, then amused. [Remove the promotional sentence about the website]

Roxanne remained silent, fueling Estella's panic. What else can I do? I like Ms. Jarvis, and I like Daddy. But Ms. Jarvis doesn't like Daddy. I have to see her without Daddy knowing. I can't give up Daddy, can I? Must I choose between Ms. Jarvis and Daddy?

Overwhelmed, Estella burst into tears. "I want Daddy, and I want Ms. Jarvis too"

Roxanne's heart ached at Estella's distress; her words felt like daggers.

Averting her gaze, Roxanne said softly, "Be good, okay, Essie? When you get a mommy, she'll treat you even better than I do."

Still crying, Estella shook her head. "No! I don't want a mommy!" Her voice cracked with sobs.

Roxanne, seeing Estella's tear-stained face, endured her own heartbreak. "That's not your decision, okay? Your daddy's going to get married. Then you'll have a mommy. If she sees how close we are, she'll be angry."

"I don't want that! I don't want that bad woman to be my mommy!" Estella cried, her voice rising to a scream.

Though Roxanne hadn't named her, Estella knew. There's no way I'll accept that evil woman! She's why Ms. Jarvis doesn't want me.

Stamping her foot, Estella yelled, "I hate that woman! I hate that evil woman!"

Roxanne's eyes narrowed. She knew who Estella meant, but not the intensity of her feelings. Recalling Aubree's ruthlessness, Roxanne felt pity. Sonya and Lucian had decided Aubree would marry into the family. Who am I to object? All I can do is hope Aubree treats Essie better.

Wiping away her own tears, Roxanne hugged Estella, patting her back. "Essie, don't cry, okay? You're so cute, your mommy will love you. You have to listen to your daddy and mommy, okay?"