When Estella learned Roxanne wanted to switch play groups, she pouted, distress evident, and looked to her father for help. Lucian remained outwardly emotionless, his mouth a tight line. His silence spoke volumes; he was furious.
He had resolved that morning to avoid conflict with Roxanne, but her insistence on switching groups with Cassandra ignited his anger. Estella then remembered Lucian's previous night's words: he needed her help to repair their relationship with Roxanne.
She turned from Lucian, her gaze falling on Roxanne. Tears welled in Estella's reddened eyes; her loud sniffles echoed in the quiet classroom, drawing everyone's attention.
"I want Archie and Benny!" she cried, her pout deepening as she struggled to control her sobs. Sympathy shifted to Roxanne; disapproval filled the room.
"She's so lucky to be in Mr. Farwell's group. Many would fight for that chance," one parent murmured. "And yet she wants to switch? What's wrong with her?" Another added, "The children get along so well. Can't she think of them?"
Whispers rippled through the parents as the unexpected drama unfolded. Roxanne saw Estella's anguish and the parents' judgment. For a moment, she considered retracting her request, but she steeled herself, looked away, and said, "Ms. Ward, if you have no objections, Ms. Clark and I will confirm the switch."
"Mommy..." Benny tugged anxiously at her sleeve. Initially, the boys hadn't minded the switch, assuming Estella would still see their mother. But Estella's tears changed their minds. They no longer wanted Roxanne to switch.
Roxanne looked at her sons, helplessness etched on her face. Estella wailed when Roxanne confirmed the switch. Lucian restrained her as she tried to reach her friend's mother. Pippa, caught between the weeping child and the resolute Roxanne, interjected, "Ms. Jarvis, as you can see, Estella thrives with your boys..."
Roxanne averted her gaze from Estella, trying to ignore her cries. She was acutely aware Sonya knew about the anniversary celebration. The thought of Sonya discovering Roxanne's role in a love story with Lucian and Estella terrified her; she couldn't risk jeopardizing her hard-earned opportunity with the Damaris family.
Lucian glanced at Roxanne. Seeing her unwavering resolve, displeasure darkened his features. He stood, announcing, "I have no issue with the switch, given Ms. Jarvis's reluctance and insistence. However, Essie's distress is evident. Therefore, we must withdraw from this year's performance."
He bowed slightly, emotionless, and left the classroom, Estella struggling against him, hyperventilating from her sobs. The heart-wrenching scene caused every parent to turn towards Roxanne, silently pleading for her to rectify the situation.