Chapter 294: Did She Cry Her Heart Out?

Estella's gaze remained fixed on Roxanne's back, tears streaming uncontrollably down her cheeks. Archie and Benny were equally distraught. They hadn't expected Roxanne to be so heartless. Seeing the girl cry, they approached and tried to console her.

"Don't cry, Essie," Benny cajoled, smiling. "Mommy is really busy these past few days. You can come over and play again once Mommy is free." His attempt, however, was unsuccessful.

When Archie saw Estella still sobbing, he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her tears. "We can still play together at kindergarten, Essie," he comforted her. "Mommy really likes you because you're a good girl, so don't cry. You'll look ugly if you keep crying, and Mommy doesn't like that."

Estella stopped, looking at him doubtfully.

"Yeah! Archie's right," Benny quickly agreed, nodding. "Mommy doesn't like kids who cry."

Only then, with considerable effort, did Estella finally stop crying.

Lucian noticed Archie and Benny's concern for Estella; an inexplicable glint shone in his eyes. "Thank you for saying that," he said, approaching them.

The two children initially wanted to ignore him, but remembering their partial role in Estella's tears (they had rushed Lucian home), they avoided his gaze, guilt-ridden. "We're just telling her the truth," they mumbled.

They knew Roxanne loved Estella, but like themselves, she kept her distance because of Lucian.

Instead of responding, Lucian smiled at them and took Estella's hand. This time, she didn't run away.

"Say goodbye to Archie and Benny, Essie," he said softly.

The girl obeyed, waving at them while still fighting back tears. "Goodbye, Archie. Goodbye, Benny. I'll come again."

"We can't wait to see you again too! Bye!" the two children replied, forcing smiles.

After seeing Estella off and watching her car disappear, the boys returned to Roxanne. They found her staring blankly into space in the study. She couldn't stop thinking about Estella's sadness when she'd been rejected.

Regret gnawed at her after the girl left. She knew the children were innocent, yet she had repeatedly hurt Estella because of her conflict with Lucian. So lost in thought, Roxanne didn't notice the boys return.

"Mommy?" Archie and Benny whispered, approaching cautiously. Her expression clearly showed her remorse.

Realizing she'd been lost in thought, Roxanne managed a stiff smile and stroked their heads. "Is Essie gone?"

The boys nodded firmly. After a moment, guilt-stricken, she asked, "Was she crying her heart out when she left?"

Archie and Benny nodded again. She wanted to treat Estella well and make her happy, but she'd ended up making her cry again.

"Don't worry, Mommy. She stopped crying after we talked to her," the children said, smiling, knowing Roxanne would blame herself.

Roxanne smiled in relief, pulling them into a hug. "Thank you. What would I do without both of you?"

"Essie said that she likes you a lot, Mommy. She also said she'll come again soon," they replied, hugging her back.

Roxanne felt comforted, knowing the boys had taken care of everything.

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