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Novel Catalog
Chapter 53
Roxanne stared at her phone, her finger hovering over the contact list. She had only saved Lucian’s number out of practicality, so she wouldn’t miss his call if something happened to Estella.
As her finger hovered over the name, a strange realization hit her—she had saved him as just “A.” Without thinking, she quickly edited the contact, changing it to his full name before dialing.
Lucian, who had just made up his mind to leave and search for Estella himself, was about to head out when his phone rang. Seeing the name flash across the screen, his jaw clenched.
He answered the call with an air of cold indifference. “What do you want?”
Roxanne’s eyes flickered to the little girl standing beside her, confusion crossing her face at his tone. What’s with that attitude? If it weren’t for Estella being here, I would’ve hung up on him right now.
“Essie came looking for me first thing this morning,” Roxanne said, trying to keep her voice steady. “Come and get her if you’re free. Or, you can give me your address, and I’ll take her there.”
Lucian’s brows furrowed at the mention of his daughter’s unexpected visit. “Give me your address.”
“32, Durwest Garden.”
The line went silent as Lucian ended the call abruptly.
Roxanne exhaled quietly, a sense of relief washing over her as the screen turned black. She turned to Estella, who was still standing by her side, watching her with wide eyes. “Your daddy’s on his way to pick you up,” she said gently. “Be a good girl and go home with him, okay?”
Estella nodded but her gaze grew distant as she thought about her next move. She had only just gotten the chance to spend time with this kind, beautiful woman, and she didn’t want to leave so soon. But Lucian was on his way… What should I do to stay longer?
Before she could act on her thoughts, Archie, ever observant, crossed his arms and spoke up. “Your daddy hates my mommy. He’s definitely not going to let you stay,” he said bluntly. “I suggest you give up on the idea.”
Estella’s face darkened at the truth in Archie’s words.
It’s true. Daddy doesn’t like Ms. Jarvis. He even fights with her in front of me sometimes. But Estella couldn’t help it—I like Ms. Jarvis!
An idea suddenly lit up in her mind, and her eyes sparkled with determination. She had come prepared.
Quickly, Estella scrambled off the couch and rushed to her small backpack. With an excited bounce in her step, she pulled out a tiny, delicate crystal ball and held it up to Roxanne with both hands.
Roxanne blinked in surprise, confused by the unexpected gesture. “Is this… for me?” she asked, her voice soft with curiosity.
Estella nodded vigorously and then scribbled in her notebook, her words clear: For you. I like you!
Roxanne’s heart warmed at the sweet gesture, and she couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you, Essie,” she said, her voice filled with affection as she gently patted the little girl’s head. “I like you a lot too.”
As the two shared the moment, Archie and Benny, who had been watching from the couch, suddenly perked up. “You gave Mommy a gift?” Benny asked in surprise. “What about us? Don’t we get something too?”
Estella’s face lit up with a grin, her eyes twinkling as she nodded. She immediately reached into her bag again, this time pulling out two small racecar figurines. She walked over to the boys, holding them out eagerly.
The moment Archie and Benny saw the cars, their eyes shone with excitement. These weren’t just any toys—these were the exact models they’d been eyeing for weeks but hadn’t dared ask their mom to buy. They had even wondered if they were too expensive.
And yet, here they were—Estella had somehow gotten them.
The boys could tell by the craftsmanship that these were no ordinary toys. They were real, high-quality models, and they couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude toward Estella for her thoughtfulness.
The three of them gathered around the little girl as she handed them their gifts, and for a moment, the world seemed to pause in that small, joyful bubble they had created together.
