Chapter 349: Must We Leave?
Estella remained silent after hearing Roxanne's answer. Roxanne opened the car door, carried Estella out, and led her by the hand toward the manor. She released Estella's hand at the manor entrance. Estella looked up at Roxanne solemnly.
Roxanne's heart softened at their gaze. Squatting, she looked into Estella's eyes. "Is there something you want to tell me, Essie?"
Estella nodded slightly and said in a cute voice, "Ms. Jarvis, don't hate Daddy." (The internal monologue about Ms. Jarvis's hatred and Daddy's intentions has been removed as it disrupts the narrative flow and is better suited as a later reflection or Roxanne's internal thought).
Thinking it might be her last time seeing Estella, Roxanne nodded. Estella hugged Roxanne tightly before entering the manor.
Roxanne, fearing Lucian and the maids would see her, waited until Estella was inside before returning to her car.
Meanwhile, Catalina, preparing dinner, heard the doorbell. She opened the door to find Estella alone. Shocked, she checked the surroundings but saw no one else. "Ms. Estella, you're supposed to be at kindergarten! Why are you back alone? Who brought you?" Catalina asked worriedly, ushering Estella inside and again checking the surroundings.
Estella's forced smile vanished after parting with Roxanne. She shook her head absently in response to Catalina's questions and went upstairs.
Concerned, Catalina called Lucian after considering the situation.
Roxanne felt conflicted after driving away. She sat in her car, lost in thought, before starting the engine and driving home.
Archie and Benny were waiting anxiously. Upon seeing her, they rushed to her side. "Mommy, is Essie home?"
Roxanne smiled sadly and nodded. "Did Essie cry in the car? She seemed sad," Benny asked. Roxanne stroked his head. "No, she was very well-behaved." Benny and Archie nodded, but their intense stares startled Roxanne. "What's wrong?" she asked, frowning. "Mommy, must we leave and live abroad?" Benny asked, puzzled.
They hadn't known about the move. They'd assumed they were staying in Chanaea. Why the sudden change? Could it be because of Daddy?
Roxanne nodded gently. She had planned to settle in Chanaea with Archie and Benny, but her unexpected reunion with Lucian, and his changed attitude, had created chaos in her life. To protect Archie and Benny, she needed to escape him. The promotional text has been removed.