Chapter 887: Is Essie Okay?

Thinking of Estella, the boys felt sorry for her. "Alas, Daddy doesn't allow us to visit her," Benny grumbled softly. His brother immediately corrected him, "No, it's not that he doesn't allow us to see her." Benny looked puzzled.

After glancing toward the kitchen, Archie explained dejectedly, "Daddy just doesn't want Mommy to visit Essie." This stunned Benny, but his expression quickly changed as he understood. He wondered, What happened between Daddy and Mommy? Is he still angry about yesterday? But that's trivial... Even Essie has forgiven Mommy.

Meanwhile, Roxanne, in the kitchen, felt uneasy. Earlier, speaking with Lucian, she'd heard Estella's sobs, the little girl's wails, and even her own name. Roxanne was wracked with guilt and remorse. If I'd known, I would have rushed to her, stayed by her side. I wouldn't have hesitated. But Lucian stopped me. Essie matters more than anything; those medicines are nothing compared to her…

"Mommy, what's that smell?" Archie and Benny asked, approaching her. A strange odor permeated the air, apparently emanating from a pot. The boys tiptoed to look, but were too short to see inside.

Their voices broke Roxanne from her reverie. She looked down at the pot; everything was blackened and burnt, the air thick with the smell of scorched food. "Gosh! I've been thinking about Essie and forgot I was cooking!" She quickly turned off the stove, apologetic. "Sorry, I was lost in thought. Let's go out for lunch."

She removed her apron, and the three went to a nearby restaurant. Worried about Estella, they ate lightly and returned home.

"Mommy, are you tired?" Archie and Benny asked, noticing her absentmindedness. "Why don't you rest upstairs?" one suggested.

Roxanne frowned. She was tired, but hesitant to leave the boys alone. "Don't worry, Mommy. We'll take care of ourselves!" they reassured her with smiles.

Roxanne massaged her nose. "All right. I'll rest. Be good, and stay here, okay?" She felt utterly exhausted.

After the boys nodded, she went upstairs, locking herself in the bedroom. Unsleeping, she stared blankly into space before going to the study, hoping work would distract her.

Downstairs, the boys waited until all was quiet upstairs. "Archie, let's go to Daddy's house," Benny whispered.

Archie, his eyes bright with determination, agreed. "Mommy couldn't concentrate cooking or eating. She's worried about Essie. Since Daddy won't let Mommy visit, we can go. We can tell Mommy about Essie afterward!"