Chapter 347: Heartless

In Roxanne's embrace, Estella cried uncontrollably. Tightening her grip on Roxanne's shirt, she sobbed, "I want you, Ms. Jarvis. I want you to be my mommy!"

Roxanne was stunned.

Estella added, "You're the best, Ms. Jarvis. Daddy likes you too"

Roxanne recoiled, scoffing at herself. Why would Essie reach such a conclusion? Perhaps she believes that frequent interaction implies romantic involvement. That's likely why she likes Benny and Archie. No matter how I explain it, she'll never understand. She'll certainly refuse to acknowledge Lucian's feelings for Aubree. The thought brought on a headache.

A while later, she gently wiped Estella's tears, saying tactfully, "I—I won't be here forever. I've only returned for work. Once I'm finished, I'll have to leave the country again. So, I can't be your mommy, Essie."

Despite her tact, Estella only wanted her to stay more. After a brief respite, her crying intensified; she knew she wouldn't see Roxanne again.

Roxanne was taken aback, a wave of panic rising in her chest.

Archie and Benny, hearing Estella's cries, rushed in. Worriedly, they asked, "Mommy, what's wrong with Essie?" Roxanne opened her mouth, unsure how to respond.

Tears streamed down Estella's face. In a hoarse voice, she pleaded, "Don't leave, Ms. Jarvis"

Benny and Archie looked perplexed. "Where are you going, Mommy?"

Roxanne had spoken impulsively. She hadn't told Benny and Archie about her impending departure. Now, all three children stared at her.

Roxanne bit her lip, enduring the heartbreak. "Once I'm finished with my work, I'll take you all abroad. You're more accustomed to that lifestyle. After all, that's where I raised you."

Archie and Benny were briefly stunned. "This is so sudden," Archie thought. "However," Benny added, "it's not much different. We only came back to Chanaea to see Daddy. We've seen him, and he doesn't want us around."

Their reluctance to leave Chanaea stemmed from Estella and Madilyn. They could still contact Aunt Madilyn. But they'd lose contact with Estella. Archie and Benny looked longingly at Estella in Roxanne's embrace.

Since Daddy is marrying someone else, Mommy won't contact him after we leave. We might never speak to Essie again. The thought saddened them.

Roxanne decided honesty was best. Under their intense gazes, she frowned, steeling herself. "I may not see you again. But know that I'll miss you dearly. Be good, okay? Listen to your daddy and talk to him often." Roxanne forced a smile, glancing at Estella.

(The final sentence, a plug for a website, has been removed.)