Chapter 707: Let Us Play A Game

Archie hesitantly offered the flower again. "There are plenty of lilies in Mommy's bouquet. That's why I dared to take one." Lucian's brows furrowed as he finally understood. Someone had sent the flowers Roxanne received as a thank-you gift; he had completely misunderstood. No wonder she was so furious.

Lucian's expression softened considerably. He glanced at Roxanne, busy in the kitchen, then took the lily from Archie. "I'm sorry. I jumped to conclusions. Essie and I will stay for dinner."

He set Estella down. As her feet touched the floor, she glared at her father before running toward the kitchen to find Roxanne.

In the living room, Lucian frowned, holding the lily. He and the boys exchanged long, silent looks. Archie and Benny saw his frustration and exchanged worried glances. Daddy and Mommy argued often, but Mommy seemed especially angry this time. What could they do to help them reconcile?

In the kitchen, Estella clung to Roxanne's leg. Roxanne, still angry, was puzzled to see Estella enter, looking upset. "What's the matter, Essie? Did the brothers bully you?" She glanced toward the doorway, questioning her thoughts. The boys always adored Essie; why would they bully her? Lucian was the only other possibility.

Estella's reply confirmed her suspicions. "It was Daddy! He's a meanie!" she huffed, complaining to Roxanne.

Roxanne wasn't surprised, but she was curious about the cause of Estella's anger. "How was he mean to you?"

Puffing out her cheeks, Estella angrily recounted the events. "Daddy wanted to take me home and wouldn't let me have dinner with you!"

Surprise flashed across Roxanne's eyes. Lucian had mentioned taking Essie home, but she'd refused. She hadn't expected him to persist. And how did Estella get here so quickly?

As the thought crossed her mind, she looked up, fearing Lucian's sudden arrival. Instead, she saw Archie and Benny at the kitchen doorway.

"Mommy, let's play a game together!" Benny said with a bright smile, startling Roxanne. Archie nodded solemnly, pursing his lips. "Yes, let's play a game!"

Roxanne was even more confused seeing Archie, usually so serious, suggesting a game, especially given his flushed cheeks.

Estella burrowed into Roxanne's arms, looking curiously at Archie and Benny. They'd been so anxious when Daddy almost took her home, and she was still angry. Yet, now they wanted to play a game. How strange.

Just as Estella wondered what was happening, Benny discreetly winked and signaled her to look through the doorway at Lucian. Following his cue, she reluctantly glanced at her father.