Chapter 899: Threw Herself Into Her Arms
“I’ll go pick up Archie and Benny,” Roxanne murmured, feigning calmness. She had no idea how to face Lucian, so she pretended nothing had happened.
His lips quirked, deliberately displaying the wound at the corner of his mouth. Roxanne glimpsed it, her expression turning awkward. Lucian dabbed at the wound; his gaze cooled. In a deep voice, he said, “I’ll bring you upstairs.”
Fury and annoyance simmered within him, but resolved into indifference. They reached a tacit understanding; neither mentioned the earlier incident. Lucian turned and headed upstairs, followed silently by Roxanne.
They said nothing until reaching Estella’s bedroom. The three children, tired from playing, sat in a circle, eating snacks.
Catalina, gratified after watching them all afternoon, planned to go downstairs for dinner. Archie and Benny exchanged perplexed glances. Their unease deepened; hadn't their mother realized they were at their father's?
Catalina turned, opening the door to see Lucian and Roxanne. “Mr. Farwell,” she said, then, after a pause, “Ms. Jarvis.”
Roxanne smiled faintly, inclining her head. “I’m here to pick up Archie and Benny.”
Catalina’s gaze swept over their lips; shock flickered in her eyes before she quickly composed herself, stepping aside. “They’re in the room.”
Roxanne nodded, glancing inside. Archie and Benny scrambled to the door, staring intently at the couple. The sight of the marks on their lips brought understanding, and silent rejoicing.
Roxanne felt guilty under their gaze. Before she could speak, Estella’s voice rang out, “Ms. Jarvis!” The little girl threw herself into Roxanne’s arms.
Roxanne caught her instinctively, carefully examining her. She’d worried all day, and now, seeing Estella’s radiant smile, felt relief. Yet, she also noticed the lingering redness and swelling around her eyes, a pang of guilt striking her.
“Sorry I’m late,” she said remorsefully, caressing Estella’s head.
Estella shook her head. “You had Archie and Benny visit me instead!”
Archie and Benny hung their heads, inching closer together.