Chapter 655
The sound of footsteps from upstairs greeted Roxanne the moment she entered the house. "Mommy!" Archie and Benny burst from their room, scampered down the stairs, and stopped before her, their expressions oddly intense. Heavy-hearted, Roxanne pushed aside her own thoughts to meet their gaze. "What's wrong?" She noticed the boys peering curiously at the door, as if searching for something. After a moment, their gaze fell, disappointment evident. "What are you two looking for?" she asked, puzzled. Disappointment was etched on their faces.
"Mommy, isn't Essie coming today?" Roxanne was even more confused. "It's late; Essie should be asleep." Archie and Benny tilted their heads. "But didn't Mr. Farwell bring you home? Didn't Essie come with you?" They had been worried about her late return, repeatedly checking the windows for her. Seeing her alight from Lucian's car, they raced downstairs expecting Estella. But by the time they reached the bottom, Roxanne was already inside, Estella nowhere in sight. Roxanne's expression faltered; the children had seen Lucian. Worry flickered in her eyes. Did they notice the tension between Lucian and me? Did they sense anything amiss?
She studied their faces, realizing their concern centered solely on Estella. Relief washed over her; she forced a smile. "Mr. Farwell and I met at work. Essie's waiting for him at home, just like you two." The children nodded, and began asking about her day. Overwhelmed, Roxanne gave brief answers, urging them to bed before retreating to her room to wash. Lucian's words from the car ride echoed in her mind as she washed, a complex mix of emotions slowing her actions. An hour passed before she emerged from the bathroom. Her phone, lying on the table, illuminated.
Larry's name appeared on the screen. Roxanne remembered she’d forgotten to tell him she was home, her mind consumed by Lucian upon her arrival. The screen still flashed; she quickly returned his call. "Roxanne?" Larry's voice filled the receiver. Roxanne apologized, using the boys as an excuse. "I'm so sorry, Larry. I was busy with Archie and Benny; I forgot to call." Larry sighed in relief. "It's fine. The important thing is you're okay. I was about to call Mr. Farwell if you hadn't answered." The mention of Lucian stirred a strange feeling. Thankfully, Larry asked little more, only inquiring about her well-being before hanging up.
Roxanne was about to exhale when her phone lit up again. A text from Lucian: "If you're too busy these days and can't make the concert, don't worry. I'll explain it to Essie." Roxanne's heart, finally calmed, was once more flooded with emotion.