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Novel Catalog
Chapter 4
Roxanne couldn’t shake the thought that popped into her mind: Is this little girl mute?
Her heart swelled with sympathy. In a soft, comforting voice, she asked, “Can you give me your hand?”
She extended her hand slowly, watching the little girl carefully. Despite her cautious gaze, the girl seemed to relax a little after hearing Roxanne’s calm tone.
Roxanne waited, giving the child time. After a long moment of hesitation, the little girl finally reached out and took her hand—tentative, but trusting.
Roxanne gently held her hand, helping her to her feet. She quickly scanned the girl for any visible injuries, relieved to see that she appeared unharmed.
Their close proximity made Roxanne notice just how soft the little girl felt against her. She smelled faintly of milk—a scent that tugged at Roxanne’s heartstrings.
The image of her own daughter, a stillborn baby who would have been the same age as this girl if she had lived, flashed in her mind. A wave of heartache and regret washed over her, threatening to choke her.
It was as if the little girl had somehow sensed the change in Roxanne’s emotions. She remained still, her large eyes watching her with quiet understanding.
I shouldn’t talk to strangers, the little girl seemed to think. But she’s so pretty… and somehow, I feel like I want to be close to her.
Madilyn’s cheerful voice broke the moment. “Oh, what an adorable little thing! She’s as cute as our boys!”
Roxanne nodded, forcing a smile. “I think she got lost. We should take her to the police station and see if we can contact her family.”
As soon as Roxanne said that, the little girl tugged at her sleeve.
Roxanne looked down, confused. The girl was shaking her head vigorously, eyes brimming with unshed tears. It was clear she didn’t want to go to the police station.
Roxanne’s heart tightened at the sight of the girl’s distress. She knew she had to be cautious—if she didn’t report the child, she could be accused of kidnapping. But seeing the little girl on the verge of tears made her reluctant to do so.
“All right,” Roxanne relented softly, squatting down to the girl’s level. “We don’t have to go to the police station. Do you have your parents’ phone number? I can call them so they can come pick you up.”
The little girl’s head stopped shaking, but she slumped in dejection. She didn’t respond.
Roxanne’s brow furrowed. It seemed like the girl didn’t have a way to contact her family. Just as Roxanne was about to reconsider her decision, the little girl moved again.
Roxanne watched, puzzled, as the girl pulled a pencil and a small post-it note from her pocket. She scribbled something on it and handed it to Roxanne. The note read: Daddy followed by a phone number.
Roxanne’s heart softened further. She carefully took the note, dialing the number immediately.
Meanwhile, Archie and Benny watched the exchange, whispering to each other.
“She’s definitely mute,” Benny murmured.
Roxanne froze, a sharp glance directed at her sons. “Don’t be rude,” she scolded, her voice firm but gentle.
The boys quickly straightened up, giving the little girl apologetic smiles.
As Roxanne focused on the phone call, the little girl inched closer to her. She reached out and gently tugged at the corner of Roxanne’s dress.
Roxanne didn’t notice the small gesture, absorbed as she was in dialing the number. But the girl’s presence was undeniable—her quiet, innocent plea for attention.
At the same time, back at the Farwell residence, Lucian stormed into the mansion, his face dark with fury. “Is Estella back yet?” he demanded.
The butler, clearly worried, hurried to meet him. “No, Mr. Farwell. I haven’t seen Ms. Estella anywhere.”
Lucian’s jaw tightened as he processed the news. His eyes darkened, his worry turning into something more dangerous. I’ve searched everywhere I can think of. Where could she be? Did something happen to her?
A flash of malice crossed his face. His desire to find Estella had become an obsession, and the thought that something had happened to her made him feel as if the world itself would burn if he didn’t find her soon.
Before Lucian could speak further, a woman hurried into the room, a worried expression on her face. It was Aubree, the woman Lucian had once been set to marry.
“Lucian, I heard Estella is missing!” Aubree exclaimed, her voice filled with anxiety. “Is it true? Have you found her?”
Lucian turned to face her, his voice cold. “She’s still missing. And now that you’re here, I need to know—what did you say to her this afternoon? Why would she suddenly run away?”
Aubree blinked, surprised by the question. “Lucian, what are you implying? Are you accusing me of causing Estella to run away?”
She placed a hand over her heart, feigning hurt. “I did nothing to her! I’ve always treated her kindly, even though she treated me coldly. I never yelled at her, and I certainly didn’t do anything to make her run away! You know how much I care about her.”
With her red-rimmed eyes and innocent expression, Aubree did her best to convince Lucian of her innocence. But deep down, she was scheming.
She didn’t care about Estella. In fact, she would have been happier if the mute child disappeared for good. After all, she had told Estella that she would soon have more beautiful children with Lucian. When that happened, Estella would no longer be the center of his affection.
Aubree hadn’t feared Estella running away, especially since the little girl couldn’t speak. She had assumed Lucian would never hear her side of the story.
But now, as the reality of Estella’s disappearance settled in, Aubree’s thoughts darkened. If Estella can’t be found… it’s for the best. I’ll never have to deal with her again.
