Chapter 257
Roxanne thought of leaving right after dinner, yet the three children froze in their tracks when they stepped out of the restaurant, utterly transfixed by the view outside.
She followed their line of sight.
The restaurant was located in a botanical garden atop a mountain.
Naturally, there were fewer manmade structures and artificial lighting around.
Thus, the primary source of illumination came from the full moon.
Filtered through the shade of the trees, the moonlight appeared soft and hazy, lending an attractive glow to the plants in the botanical garden.
Many adults strolled through the beautiful garden with their children.
Benny tugged on Roxanne’s hand and pleaded, “Let’s walk through the garden too, Mommy!”
Roxanne rarely had the chance for a leisurely stroll.
The lovely scenery was simply irresistible, and she said to Lucian, “I’m taking the kids for a walk in the garden.
Why don’t you bring Essie home first, Mr.
Farwell?” After that, she tried to let go of Estella’s hand and have the girl follow Lucian home.
Alas, the young girl refused to let go of Roxanne’s hand.
Roxanne had no choice but to bring her along for the stroll.
They wandered to a deserted part of the garden.
Benny grew excited as he surveyed the tall trees around him and suggested, “Mommy, let’s play hide-and-seek!”
Roxanne smiled and agreed.
“All right, but don’t run too far away.
It’s not safe.”
The children nodded obediently.
Roxanne planned to search for the boys with Estella, yet the young girl seemed eager to hide.
No one had ever played hide-and-seek with Estella before, and her gaze turned expectant as the boys suggested the game.
In the end, Roxanne reminded Archie and Benny to take care of Estella before she closed her eyes and allowed the children to hide.
“Are you ready? I’m going to look for you!” Roxanne shouted after giving them some seconds to hide.
The words had barely left her mouth when Estella’s childish voice drifted out from behind a tree.
“Ready!”
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