Chapter 867: Mommy Loves You Forever

“Mommy, is it because of Essie?” Archie asked, the thought striking him as Roxanne’s first question upon arriving home had been about Estella.

Roxanne’s expression shifted instantly, revealing the accuracy of his guess. Archie's perceptiveness surprised her.

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

The boys’ concern grew at Roxanne’s look, but they knew expressing their worry would only add to her sadness. They carefully concealed their anxiety.

Roxanne hesitated, then asked, “Would you be angry if you wanted to see me, but I didn’t arrive in time?”

The boys exchanged glances and shook their heads in unison. “No!”

Roxanne looked doubtful. After a moment, they smiled sheepishly, holding up their hands, thumbs and index fingers pinched together to form a tiny gap. “Well, maybe just a little, but we won’t really be angry, Mommy! We’ll forgive you as long as you show up eventually!”

Roxanne’s heart melted at their sincere expressions. “Thank you, darlings!”

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

Roxanne nodded, but worry lingered. The situation with Estella was vastly different. She remembered Estella’s initial autism diagnosis and the difficulty of her improvement. Regression due to Roxanne’s absence would be unforgivable.

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. Their worry was palpable, yet they smiled, comforting Roxanne. “Even then, 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 how much you love us!”

Roxanne kissed each forehead. “Thank you for comforting me, darlings. Mommy loves you forever.”

Their words eased her guilt. She retrieved her phone to call Lucian, but as the call connected, the doorbell rang.

“Oh, is that Mr. Farwell?”

The boys’ eyes brightened expectantly. Roxanne, too, hoped it was Lucian. She rushed to the door.

Their faces fell as the visitor came into view, quickly dashing Roxanne’s hopes as well.