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Novel Catalog
Chapter 55
After Roxanne had finished tending to Estella’s hand, Archie and Benny returned downstairs, each carrying a peculiar-looking stuffed toy. The toys were strange in appearance, with odd proportions and mismatched features, but the boys approached Estella with bright smiles.
“We bought these with our pocket money. You can have them,” Benny said, handing one of the toys to Estella.
The dolls were both cute and a little offbeat, and they didn’t exactly seem like something Estella would choose for herself. Yet, it was the first time she had received gifts from peers her own age—children she genuinely liked. Without hesitation, Estella took the toys from them and hugged them close, squeezing them with a joy that seemed to radiate from her entire being. She held onto the gifts far more tightly than her previous doll, her excitement palpable.
After some time, she finally set the toys down and grabbed her notebook, scribbling a large, thankful message. When she showed it to the boys, her face lit up in a smile, something they hadn’t seen from her before. The boys stood frozen for a moment, eyes wide, as they exchanged glances.
The two had always kept their distance from Estella, seeing her as the child their father had with another woman. But now, seeing her radiant smile and the innocent joy she found in their small gesture, something inside them shifted. Their hearts softened, and they both scratched their heads sheepishly.
She’s so cute… She’s our half-sister… I don’t want to hate her anymore, Archie thought, his resolve weakening.
Roxanne, watching the three children interact from across the room, felt her heart swell with warmth. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of her sons, usually so reserved, showing such kindness toward Estella. “Why don’t you play with Essie for a while?” she suggested, gently stroking Estella’s hair. “I need to call the research institute and let them know I’ll be a bit late. I just applied some ointment to Essie’s hand, so be careful when you’re playing.”
The boys nodded obediently, their eyes still soft with affection for the little girl.
As Roxanne made her way upstairs to make the call, the boys looked at each other, unsure of what to do. “Shall we play some Lego?” Archie suggested, uncertain of what girls liked to do.
Estella’s face lit up instantly. I was right to come here today. I got to have Ms. Jarvis treat my wound, and now Archie and Benny are asking me to play with them!
Although the boys weren’t sure what toys Estella preferred, they figured Lego was a safe bet. After all, their own Lego set was quite complex, designed for older children. They had been working on it for a while, and it was far from finished.
“If you don’t know how to do this, you can watch us first,” Archie said kindly, offering her a chance to learn the ropes.
Estella nodded earnestly, her wide eyes fixed on the Lego pieces. She observed the boys’ movements carefully, her small hands soon reaching for some pieces of her own. It didn’t take long before she was matching their speed with remarkable accuracy.
The boys paused, exchanging surprised glances. They had always prided themselves on being quick learners, but Estella was keeping up with them effortlessly.
Is it because we share the same father? Benny wondered, amazed by her skill.
Just as they were about to comment on it, the doorbell rang, cutting through their thoughts. The boys looked at each other and immediately knew who it was.
“I’ll go get the door. Keep Essie company,” Archie said, rising from his seat.
He walked to the front door and opened it to find a tall, imposing figure dressed in an elegant suit. Lucian, his face set in a cool, aloof expression, stepped forward. He had expected Roxanne to greet him, but when he saw that it was Archie at the door, his frown deepened.
This must be Roxanne’s son, Lucian thought, his gaze narrowing. There was a subtle but undeniable air of animosity between them, a feeling that Archie seemed to mirror.
“Estella’s here with us. Come on in,” Archie said flatly, his tone polite but distant. He shot Lucian a brief glance before turning on his heel and walking back into the house, leaving the door open for Lucian to follow.
Lucian stood for a moment, watching the boy’s retreating figure, his frustration simmering. But he entered the house, knowing that he had to see Estella, no matter how tense the situation with Roxanne and her children had become.
