Chapter 820: Console Essie

Roxanne was momentarily speechless at Estella's declaration of love. She liked Essie, but the thought of becoming her mother was unthinkable. Estella already had a biological mother, and children naturally gravitated towards their biological parents. Archie and Benny, though unaware of their own origins, clearly favored Lucian differently than other children.

"You can't?" Estella's disappointment was palpable as Roxanne remained silent. Roxanne's heart ached, but she could only offer a gentle rejection. "Essie, you'll have your own mommy, and once you do, you'll see that liking your mommy and liking me are different."

Estella stubbornly clenched her fists, tears welling in her eyes. "I only like Ms. Jarvis!"

Roxanne sighed, beginning to say, "You won't—" but Estella's heartbreaking gaze stopped her. It was a penetrating look that made Roxanne stiffen. Then, Estella released her shirt and ran outside.

"Essie!" Roxanne cried, but before she could follow, Lucian had already sped after her. Roxanne hesitated, watching his retreating back. Essie had run away because of her. Would seeing Roxanne again only worsen things? Should she avoid Estella for a while?

The boys, equally surprised, froze before regaining their composure. Seeing their mother's pale face, they chose not to pursue Estella, instead quietly approaching their mother and murmuring, "Mommy..." They sensed her sadness but didn't know how to comfort her, remaining silently at her side.

Later, Roxanne whispered, "Should I not have rejected Essie?" The boys exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. They knew Roxanne hadn't accepted Lucian, but they hadn't anticipated Estella's intense reaction.

Roxanne wasn't expecting an answer. Hanging her head, she felt a wave of panic and frustration. She realized Estella had genuinely hoped for a mother. The thought of Estella's mother abandoning her was distressing. Roxanne was already anxious about Estella's previous disappearance; she wasn't familiar with the area and worried she might get lost again.

Archie and Benny noticed their mother's anxiety. "Don't worry, Mommy," Archie reassured her, "Mr. Farwell will surely find Essie."

Roxanne managed a weak smile. "We'll help comfort Essie once Mr. Farwell brings her back."

To distract their mother, the boys shifted the conversation. "It's getting late," Archie said, "Didn't you promise to meet Mr. Damaris? You'll be late if you don't leave now."