The Abandoned Wife

Yearning Bonds and Unexpected Encounters

Estella blinked, and her sobs reduced. Still in disbelief, she pursed her lips.She had heard Lucian talking to her teacher with her own cars, and the two boys were absent from kindergarten that day.How could there be such a coincidence?Lucian sensed her doubt, which made him feel even more helpless. "There's no need for me to lie to you. They didn't go to school today because they were unwell. You'll see them tomorrow."Estella continued to purse her lips aggrievedly. Suspicion was written all over her face.Lucian was at a loss for what to do. "How should I make you believe me?"Never did he expect Archie and Benny to have such an important place in Estella's heart. They were so important to the point that she did not believe his words.Estella hesitated for a moment and let Catalina put her down. She then picked up a small notebook from the pile of mess and scribbled something while sobbing. Her squiggly writing read: Confirm!She wanted to hear the boys tell her that they were not expelled and that she would still see them in kindergarten in the future.Lucian understood what she meant. She wanted to go to Roxanne's house and confirm with the boys. The thought of it made his head hurt.Seeing there was no response from Lucian, Estella pursed her lips and gripped her notebook tightly in her hands. She looked as if she was about to burst into tears again.When Lucian recalled how miserably Estella had cried just now, he relaxed his brows helplessly and said, "Okay. I'll bring you to them now."Estella froze instantly, blinking to confirm what she had heard.Lucian nodded.She quickly turned around and packed her bag, then carried it on her back and walked toward him, still sniffling since she had cried too hard earlier.Lucian felt speechless when he saw how fast Estella's attitude changed. Given no choice, he brought her out to look for Roxanne.Roxanne was having dinner with Archie and Benny when the doorbell rang. Thinking it was Madilyn coming for a free meal, Roxanne opened the door right away.Her eyes widened in disbelief when she saw the people at the door."Are you two... Essie, are you here to play with Archie and Benny?" That was the only possibility she could think of.A tall and slender Lucian stood in front of the door, holding Estella's hand. He was only dressed in a shirt with the sleeves slightly rolled up.Estella lified her head. Roxanne could not help but wonder if it was the breeze that caused Estella's eyes and nose to be red because the latter looked rather pitiful.When she saw that Roxanne had seen her, all the sadness Estella had been feeling the entire night rose in her heart. She sniffed and pursed her lips, having the urge to cry again.Lucian noticed the change in his daughter's behavior. However, he did not know how to answer Roxanne's question.What am I supposed to say? My daughter got angry because I told the kindergarten to expel your sons? And now, she insists on confirming the reason for their absence?He did not find it necessary to bring it up again since he had already dismissed the idea.At that moment, the atmosphere at the door was rather awkward.Roxanne eyed the pair in front of her who did not seem to have any intentions of speaking. Feeling puzzled, she lowered her head to look at Estella. "Essie, is something the matter? It's quite late already."Pursing her lips, Estella nodded and broke free from Lucian's hand.He had no choice but to let her be.In the next second, tears rolled down Estella's cheeks again, and she approached Roxanne, extending her arm. Estella wanted a hug.At first, Roxanne was stunned by Estella's actions. But after that, her heart ached for the latter. She instinctively lowered herself and pulled Estella into her embrace, patting her on the back.Estella tugged at the hem of Roxanne's clothes, sobbing uncontrollably.A look of helplessness flashed past Lucian's eyes as he watched the scene before him.When we were at home a while ago, all Estella did was avoid me. Now that Roxanne's here, this girl actually reached out without hesitation to ask for a hug. Are children naturally dependent on their mothers?"Okay. Stop crying. Can you tell me what's wrong?" Roxanne consoled Estella, feeling worried.Naturally, Estella did not know how to speak.Finally, Lucian cleared his throat and said nonchalantly, "She went to kindergarten today and did not see your boys, so she thought they stopped going. She went home and cried the entire night, asking to come here to confirm their reason for absence.".Roxanne sighed inwardly upon hearing that. This little girl is really clingy to my boys, eh?Realizing that, Roxanne said in a softer tone, "There, there. Don't cry. The boys were having an upset stomach today, so I helped them to apply for a leave of absence. They'll be going back to school to play with you tomorrow."When she heard Roxanne saying the same words as Lucian, Estella finally believed it. Slowly, she stopped sobbing and removed herself from Roxanne's embrace. And carefully, she peeped into the house, wanting to see the two boys.However, it was impossible to view the dining room from the entrance. When she did not see the twins, she started feeling uneasy again.Roxanne noticed Estella's cautious looks, and her heart melted. Patting Estella's head, she asked, "Do you want to play with them? I can take you to them."With that, she smiled and carried Estella. Just as she was about to walk into the house, Estellasuddenly leaned back.It was at that moment Roxanne recalled that the man was still standing at the door.On top of that, he would not enter the house without her invitation.At that thought, she turned around to look at the man.As the night breeze blew, Lucian's shirt clung to his body, and he stared impassively at the girls.Looks like he was rushing to bring Essie here that he forgot to put on a coat.Thanks to Estella, who was in her arms, Roxanne felt bad for him, and she said calmly, "Have a seat inside, Mr. Farwell."Lucian entered the house as soon as she spoke.The boys are having their dinner. Let me bring you over to them." Roxanne walked slowly, comforting Estella along the way.Soon, three of them arrived in the dining room.Archie and Benny were enjoying their food when they saw them walking in. They swallowed the food in their mouths, a puzzled look on their faces. "What is Essie doing here?"Roxanne placed Estella between them and said softly, "Essie got worried when both of you didn't go to kindergarten today. She cried, wanting to look for you. Go on. Talk to her."As if to confirm Roxanne's words, Estella interlaced her fingers nervously on her dress and looked unblinkingly at Archie and Benny with her large eyes. The tip of her nose was slightly pink, making her look like a doll.