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Novel Catalog
Chapter 3
Roxanne’s heart raced, lodged uncomfortably in her throat, as she hurried out of the airport. She kept glancing over her shoulder, making sure Lucian wasn’t following them.
Fortunately, his tall figure remained nowhere to be seen as they exited the building. Roxanne finally exhaled, her body relaxing for the first time since she had spotted him earlier.
The boys noticed her anxious glances and exchanged a puzzled look, but they wisely kept quiet. They could tell something was off, but they didn’t press her with questions. For now, they allowed her to pull them along, obediently following her lead.
“Roxanne! Archie! Benny!” A cheerful voice called from the distance.
They all turned to see a woman dressed in a smart suit, waving excitedly as she made her way toward them. Roxanne’s tense posture loosened at the sight of her. A smile tugged at her lips.
“Madilyn, it’s been so long!” Roxanne greeted warmly.
Madilyn Xander, her best friend from university, was now a doctor working at her family’s hospital. Over the years, they had kept in touch through messages, but real-life meetings had become rare.
Madilyn reached them and immediately wrapped Roxanne in a tight hug. “You’re finally back! I’ve missed you so much!” she said, her voice full of affection.
Roxanne chuckled, returning the embrace. “I’ve missed you too.”
After breaking the hug, Madilyn crouched down to greet the boys. “My little ones, do you miss me?”
Archie and Benny both giggled, answering in unison, “Of course! Aunt Madilyn, we even dreamed of you! You’re still as pretty as ever!”
Madilyn’s face lit up with delight. “How sweet of you two!” she beamed.
Roxanne’s guard was still up, but she relaxed slightly. She glanced toward the airport gate once more, ensuring they were safe. “Let’s head home. We can catch up there.”
Madilyn placed a quick kiss on each of the boys’ cheeks before standing up. She helped load their luggage into the trunk of her car, and they all piled into the vehicle. Within moments, she sped off, taking them toward their new home.
Meanwhile, Lucian stood at the airport gate, his jaw tight as he issued commands to his assistant, Cayden Lawson.
“Cancel my overseas schedule,” Lucian said, his tone unyielding.
Cayden nodded swiftly. “Understood, Mr. Farwell. We’ve expanded the search for Ms. Estella. Don’t worry, we’ll find her soon.”
Ms. Estella was Lucian’s beloved daughter, and her safety was paramount. His overseas business now took a backseat to this urgent matter. Lucian’s eyes darkened as he turned away, striding toward the Maybach parked by the road. Moments later, the car drove off, his mind preoccupied with more pressing concerns.
An hour later, Madilyn’s car arrived at Durwest Garden, an upscale residential area known for its grand mansions. Roxanne had asked Madilyn to help her find a place, and this was the one she had secured for them.
As they stepped out of the car, Roxanne admired the peaceful surroundings. “This place looks perfect. I really like it.”
Madilyn grinned. “I’m your neighbor, after all. The owner of this house moved to the capital and put it up for rent. I happened to come across it. We’ll be close—whenever we’re free, we can visit each other.”
Roxanne smiled and nodded. “Thanks, Madilyn. You’re so efficient!”
After they quickly unpacked, it was time for dinner. Madilyn suggested they go out, and soon they were headed toward a local restaurant.
But just as Madilyn was about to park, a little girl suddenly dashed out from a dark corner of the lot, causing Madilyn to slam on the brakes. The car stopped just in time, but the girl collapsed to the ground, stunned from the near miss.
Roxanne’s heart raced at the close call. She immediately turned to make sure the boys were okay before opening her door to step out.
The little girl, who looked around five years old, was sitting on the ground, clearly shaken. Roxanne’s concern deepened. She approached the girl carefully. “Hey, are you okay?”
The child was delicate-looking, with fair skin, big, innocent eyes, and a tall nose. Her brown hair was neatly braided, and she wore a pink fluffy dress, clutching an expensive doll in her arms.
When the little girl heard Roxanne’s voice, she seemed to regain her senses. She shook her head shyly but didn’t speak, her eyes warily watching Roxanne.
Roxanne’s heart softened, but she stayed calm. She gently extended her hand to help the girl up. But the moment she did, the girl flinched and shrank back, clearly frightened.
Roxanne paused, her hand midair. She smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I just want to help you.”
She glanced around, noticing the lack of any adults. “Where are your parents? Why are you all alone?”
The little girl hugged her doll even tighter and shook her head, silent.
Roxanne’s brow furrowed as she realized the child wasn’t going to respond. She wasn’t sure how to help her—what had happened to this poor girl?
By now, Madilyn and the boys had exited the car. They saw the silent child sitting there, still holding tightly to her doll.
Archie and Benny exchanged curious glances.
“She’s so cute,” Benny whispered. “Why isn’t she talking? Is she… maybe mute?”
Roxanne’s gaze remained soft yet concerned as she knelt down beside the girl, trying her best to offer comfort. “It’s okay, sweetie. We’re here to help.”
The silence hung between them, heavy with unspoken questions.
