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Novel Catalog
Chapter 95
The sight of Roxanne, Lucian, and Estella together stirred up old memories for Catalina. She watched them for a moment, silently wishing they could spend more time together. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she quietly excused herself and left.
Soon, only the three of them remained in the living room.
Lucian’s eyes darkened as he observed them, a brooding expression settling on his face.
Sensing his gaze, Roxanne turned slightly, moving toward the couch to lay Estella down. However, Estella’s tiny hands clutched at Roxanne’s shoulders, unwilling to let go.
Roxanne paused, looking down at the little girl. Gently, she said, “Essie, be a good girl. You’re sick, and you need to rest. Do you want me to sing you to sleep?”
Estella buried her face into the crook of Roxanne’s neck and shook her head, clinging to her even more tightly.
Roxanne’s brows furrowed in concern. “You don’t want to sleep?”
The little girl nodded, then turned her body slightly, pointing toward a notebook on the table.
Understanding, Roxanne reached for the notebook and handed it to her. She watched as Estella scribbled something with a small frown. The words were simple, but they tugged at Roxanne’s heart:
You’ll leave if I fall asleep. I don’t want you to leave.
After writing that, Estella pouted, looking up at Roxanne with pleading eyes.
Roxanne’s surprise was evident as she read the note. Is Estella really that attached to me?
Lucian, who had been observing quietly, read the words as well. He spoke sternly, his voice cutting through the silence. “Ms. Jarvis has to go home, Essie. Be a good girl and go to bed.”
Estella turned her head quickly, seeking confirmation from Roxanne, her eyes full of doubt.
Roxanne hesitated but nodded softly.
The boys were waiting for her at home. Lysa was taking care of them, but she couldn’t help but worry about them. On top of that, she wasn’t sure how she should spend the night in the house she used to call her own.
At her quiet affirmation, Estella’s face fell. She started playing with the corner of Roxanne’s top, her small fingers almost crumpling the fabric as she tried to hold on.
Roxanne’s heart ached at the sight. She couldn’t bear to see the little girl so upset.
A moment later, Estella let go of the fabric and picked up the notebook again.
I want Daddy to bring the boys over. Please don’t leave, Ms. Jarvis.
She finished writing and turned to Roxanne, her hands slipping around her neck in a pleading embrace. Her grip tightened as if she were afraid Roxanne might leave without her noticing.
Roxanne felt the heat radiating from Estella’s feverish body. How could she say no to that?
After a long pause, Roxanne sighed inwardly and gave in. “Alright. I won’t leave. You can sleep now.”
Estella raised her head, her eyes still uncertain.
Roxanne gave her a comforting pat on the head. “I’ll stay with you. Now close your eyes and rest.”
Estella seemed to take comfort in her words, snuggling closer. Within moments, she was fast asleep, her head resting gently on Roxanne’s shoulder, her small hands still clutching Roxanne’s top as though she feared she would disappear.
Roxanne felt her heart swell with tenderness as she gazed down at the sleeping girl in her arms.
Lucian, watching the exchange, felt his gaze darken. His emotions were complicated, but he said nothing. Instead, he settled onto the couch opposite them, instructing the butler to bring two cups of coffee. He pulled out his phone and began working, his thoughts a million miles away.
The living room fell into a comfortable silence.
Hearing Estella’s steady breathing, Roxanne asked the butler to bring her a blanket to cover the little girl.
Estella stirred slightly, as if the heat of her fever was bothering her. Roxanne carefully wiped the sweat from Estella’s forehead, her eyes full of gentle concern.
