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Novel Catalog
Chapter 100
Roxanne stopped in her tracks, confused as she turned her head to look over her shoulder. Lucian stood behind her, his brows furrowed in concern.
“It’s four in the morning. You’ve only slept for a little while, and I won’t let you drive home alone,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind. “Besides, what will I tell Essie? You promised you wouldn’t leave. If she wakes up and doesn’t see you around, she’ll definitely make a scene. She might even run to your house. She’s still weak. What if she gets sick again?”
Roxanne’s frown deepened as she considered his words. She didn’t want to stay here—especially after the nightmare that had unsettled her. But she had promised Estella that she would stay the night.
Lucian, sensing her hesitation, scowled. “Don’t worry. Essie only needs you right now. In the future, I won’t let her disturb your life if it’s not something important.”
He then released her wrist, but his words left an uneasy feeling in her chest. Something about his tone seemed off, as if he was mocking her without saying it directly.
Before she could react, Estella rolled over in her sleep, as if she sensed Roxanne’s departure. The little girl patted the empty bed, whimpering softly.
At the sound, both of them turned to look at her. Roxanne’s heart tightened. She couldn’t bring herself to break her promise to Estella. She hesitated for a moment before speaking up.
“I’ll stay with Essie,” she said softly. “Mr. Farwell, I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to stay in the room while I sleep, though.” Her voice was polite but firm, clearly indicating she wanted him to leave.
The air in the room grew heavy with silence, and Lucian’s expression darkened, his frustration rising. Finally, he replied, his voice cold, “Fine. Take good care of Essie, then.”
With that, he turned and stormed out of the room. The door clicked shut behind him, and Roxanne let out a quiet sigh of relief. She returned to Estella’s side, lying down beside her once again.
Estella immediately inched closer, seeking the warmth of her mother’s embrace. Roxanne’s heart softened at the sight, and she reached out to pull the little girl into her arms. Estella sighed contentedly as she snuggled close, her lips curling into a small smile.
The simple, peaceful moment melted the lingering anxiety from Roxanne’s nightmare, and soon, she drifted off to sleep, the warmth of Estella’s presence soothing her.
The next morning, Roxanne woke slowly, feeling Estella’s small form nestled in her arms. The little girl’s eyes sparkled with delight when she realized she had spent the night in her mother’s embrace.
I’m so happy! Ms. Jarvis didn’t leave and stayed with me! I wish she could do this every day, Estella thought happily.
Roxanne, still half-awake, felt Estella’s gaze, sharp and focused on her. Slowly, she became fully alert, blinking as she met the little girl’s shining eyes. Roxanne smiled warmly.
“Good morning,” she said softly. “Are you feeling better?”
Estella shook her head quickly, her face lighting up with joy. She was clearly much better.
Roxanne’s smile widened. “Good. Time to get up, then.”
She sat up and stretched, the morning light casting a soft glow over the room.
There was a knock on the door, and Catalina entered with fresh clothes for Estella. After a few moments, Roxanne helped the little girl change into the new clothes.
Once Estella was dressed, Catalina suggested, “I’ll take Ms. Estella to the bathroom to wash up.”
But Estella clung to Roxanne, refusing to let go of her hand. Roxanne, understanding immediately, turned to Catalina.
“I’ll take her,” she said, offering a reassuring smile. She was used to caring for her own children and didn’t mind helping Estella.
After they entered the bathroom, Roxanne helped Estella wash up, taking care with each motion. Once Estella was clean, she sat her down in front of the mirror and began to braid her hair.
Halfway through the braid, Estella brightened, her eyes fixed on her reflection in the mirror. She didn’t move, transfixed by her appearance as Roxanne worked carefully to weave her hair into a neat braid.
Meanwhile, Lucian stood outside the bathroom door, dressed in a suit, his shirt buttons still undone. He had clearly just woken up, and his hair was still slightly tousled from sleep. He watched silently, his gaze following Roxanne’s every movement as she braided Estella’s hair.
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