Chapter 866: Why Does It Matter?

“Mommy, why did you come back alone? Where’s Mr. Damaris?”

Although they disliked Jack, Archie and Benny mentioned him to distract Roxanne.

Roxanne shook her head. “Something came up, so I returned first.”

Archie and Benny sighed in relief, but their worry remained evident as they observed Roxanne’s expression. Preoccupied with Estella, Roxanne lacked the energy for conversation. “I’m sorry,” she said, “I’m not feeling well. I won’t be able to take you both out to play.” She had promised to take them out after returning home that morning. A wave of remorse washed over her; if she had arrived at the Farwell residence earlier, she could have taken them all out together.

Sensing her sadness, Archie and Benny smiled. “It’s okay,” they said. “We only said that because we didn’t want you to leave with Mr. Damaris this morning. Mommy, if you’re feeling unwell, you should rest.” They instinctively reached for her, ready to help her to the couch.

Roxanne remained standing. She had only returned to check if Lucian had brought Estella home. Seeing no sign of Estella, she hesitated, unsure whether to stay or return to the Farwell residence.

Noticing her indecision, Archie and Benny exchanged a glance, then gently took her arms, guiding her to the couch. Archie poured a glass of water. “Mommy, have some water.”

Roxanne smiled faintly, taking the glass and lowering her gaze. Estella filled her thoughts; the child’s earlier distress echoed in her mind.

Archie and Benny expected Roxanne to explain after resting, but her silence lengthened, her expression growing grimmer. Their concern grew. “Mommy, did something happen? You can tell us. Although we’re young, we can still help!”

Roxanne’s heart softened. She glanced at them, starting to speak, then faltered, frowning. She didn’t know what to say.

“Mommy, what is it?” they asked anxiously.

Roxanne lowered her gaze, a turmoil of emotions flooding her. Estella’s distress over the missed meeting weighed heavily on her. A sudden realization struck her: she had begun to view Estella as her own child. This only intensified her guilt. Estella’s earlier question must have stemmed from viewing Roxanne as her mother. The thought of the hurt she had caused Estella troubled her. Why does it matter if I act as her mother before her birth mother returns? At least she wouldn't be so upset, and I wouldn't feel so bad.

Chapter 867: Mommy Loves You Forever

“Mommy, is it because of Essie?” Archie asked, his insight striking due to Roxanne’s initial inquiry about Estella's presence.

Roxanne's expression immediately confirmed his guess. Archie is so perceptive! she thought.

“What’s wrong with Essie?” Benny asked, puzzled.

The boys' concern for Estella was evident, but they also knew that expressing their worry openly would only sadden Roxanne further. They tried to conceal their anxiety.

Roxanne hesitated, then posed a question that plagued her: “Would you be angry with me if you wanted to see me, but I didn’t show up on time?”

The boys exchanged glances, then shook their heads emphatically. “No!”

Roxanne looked at them dubiously. After a moment, they smiled sheepishly, holding up their hands, their thumbs and index fingers forming tiny gaps. “Well, maybe just a little,” Archie conceded, “but we won’t really be angry with you, Mommy! We’ll forgive you as long as you show up in the end!”

Roxanne’s heart melted at their sincerity. “Thank you, Darlings!”

The boys embraced her, whispering comfortingly, “Essie must feel the same way. Don’t worry, Mommy!”

Roxanne nodded, but her worry persisted. The situation with Estella differed significantly from her relationship with her sons. She remembered Estella’s autism diagnosis and the difficulty of her progress. The thought of a regression caused by her haunted her.

Archie and Benny exchanged glances, then cautiously asked, “So, Mommy, are you sad because of Essie?”

Roxanne nodded, guilt etched on her face. “Essie cried and cried, but I didn’t get to her in time.”

The boys' faces crumpled with concern. Mommy is so worried! Essie must have cried a lot! I wonder how Essie is doing now! Despite their own distress, they smiled reassuringly. “Even in such a situation, we’ll still forgive you, Mommy! Essie will too!”

Roxanne was deeply touched. The boys looked at her solemnly. “It’s because we know how difficult your job is, and we know how much you love us!”

Roxanne kissed each of their foreheads. “Thank you for comforting me, Darlings. Mommy loves you forever.”

The boys smiled. Their words eased her guilt. She retrieved her phone to call Lucian when the doorbell rang.

“Oh, is that Mr. Farwell?”

The boys’ eyes lit up expectantly. Roxanne, too, hoped it was Lucian. She rose quickly and opened the door. Their faces, and Roxanne's hope, fell as the visitor came into view.