Chapter 819: Abrupt Question
After finishing the plain cake, the children eagerly spread the cream. Each child had their own unique vision, so Roxanne divided the cake into three sections, allowing them to decorate independently. They treated the task with surprising care and caution.
Roxanne glanced at the clock repeatedly. Her meeting with Jack was imminent, but the children were far from finished. Remembering their earlier unhappiness, she hesitated to rush them. "I'm done!" Estella announced first. The boys quickly followed, their eyes seeking her approval.
Roxanne suppressed her urgency, offering them a smile. She approached the table, examining their creations. The boys' sections were messy, Estella's neatly done, yet the boys beamed with pride. Roxanne offered genuine praise, despite her reservations. "You've done wonderfully, my darlings," she said.
The children grinned. Roxanne discreetly glanced at Lucian, who remained silent, before addressing the children. "I'll cut the cake now, shall I?" she asked.
They nodded enthusiastically. Roxanne cut the cake into six slices, distributing them among the children and keeping one for herself. Turning to Lucian, she noticed his reluctance to participate.
"Mr. Farwell," Roxanne said, frowning slightly. "The cake is ready. Please, do try some."
Only then did Lucian turn and approach. The children wanted the adults to sample their sections, necessitating three smaller slices for Lucian and Roxanne. The children watched with eager anticipation as the adults began to eat.
Roxanne smiled briefly before tasting Estella's portion. Her surprise was evident. "Essie, yours is amazing! It's delicious! Thank you, Essie," she exclaimed.
The girl's smile widened. Just as Roxanne was about to try another slice, Estella's clear voice rang out. "Ms. Jarvis, can I call you Mommy?"
The girl's expectant gaze held Roxanne captive. Roxanne froze, her eyes widening, before turning to Lucian. He, too, was taken aback by the question, as were Archie and Benny.
Despite their efforts to build a family, the children's mother hadn't fully accepted their father. Estella's abrupt question clearly shocked Roxanne.
"Ms. Jarvis," Estella continued, "can you be my mommy? I love Ms. Jarvis the most!" She shyly tugged at Roxanne's clothes.
Roxanne regained her composure, suppressing her turmoil. She set down the cake, crouched, and forced a smile. "You're a sweetheart, Essie. It's true I like you very much, but that doesn't mean I can be your mommy."
Estella tilted her head, confused. "But I like you a lot too, Ms. Jarvis!"