Meanwhile, Aubree started the car engine and drove toward the agreed location.
Along the way, her phone that was placed beside her lit up.
She glanced at it, only to find an address from the private detective.
The rage in her eyes intensified as soon as she read the address, and she slammed her foot on the gas pedal.
In less than half an hour, Aubree suddenly stopped her car at a remote intersection.
After stepping out, she took a vial from a man at the intersection, returned to her vehicle, and drove off to the address sent to her phone earlier.
The camping location Roxanne had picked was in the suburbs near a mountain. It was a two-hour drive from the city, so they only arrived when it was close to noon.
When Roxanne got out of the car, she could not help but sigh in awe while scanning the surroundings. The two-hour drive was worth it.
Their camping location was on a lush field with tiny flowers growing all over the place. Roxanne had purposely chosen a wider area to set up their tent. There was also a little forest not far from their spot.
The vegetation in the forest was denser, and rabbits would hop out and encircle their visitors from time to time.
On the other side was a tiny waterfall, and thanks to the moving water, the surrounding air was quite refreshing and cool.
The gurgling sound of water also created a serene vibe. It could not be a more suitable camping site. Happiness was written all over the children’s faces.
“It’s so beautiful!” Estella gazed at the scenery, forgetting all the unhappy events that happened that morning. Archie and Benny looked astounded as well.
Mommy always manages to find great places like this. It’s way better than the places we’ve camped at in other countries. “Run along and play. I’ll set the tent up.”
With that, Roxanne took out the camping equipment from the car and began setting up the tent. Upon hearing that, Archie and Benny raised their hands. “We’ll help you!”
After all, they had been on many camping trips with her; they were capable of helping her set up the equipment. Roxanne did not refuse their offer. She then handed them the tent’s corners and let the boys help her fix them.
As someone with no experience and little strength, Estella could only watch them curiously from the side and give them words of encouragement.
Roxanne was amused by how intrigued Estella looked. Not long after, the tent was up. Roxanne then brought the children’s suitcases over and took out their things.
She had packed some food, toys, and clothes for her and the boys. Her preparations were simple yet complete.
After arranging their items, Roxanne returned to the car to retrieve Estella’s suitcase. Sure enough, Estella’s suitcase was heavier than theirs.
Roxanne could not help but wonder what Lucian had packed for Estella. Feeling curious, the three children crowded around Roxanne as they watched her open the suitcase.
All of them were dumbfounded the moment they saw its contents. Even Roxanne was at a loss for words when she saw the batteries, flashlight, and other equipment.
I’m only taking them out to have fun, but he’s packing for Estella as if they’re going on an adventure.
“What’s this?” asked Estella curiously.
She, too, realized the contents of her suitcase differed from the others.
Feeling speechless, Roxanne shifted her gaze from the professional equipment to the simple things she had prepared for the boys.
Meanwhile, Benny finally snapped out of his shock and exclaimed, “This is so cool!”
Archie and Benny had fancied things like that since young, but it was their first time seeing it at a campsite.
“Mommy, let’s use them!” suggested the boys enthusiastically.
Roxanne looked at the boy’s excited faces and then at the items in her hand. Though she hesitated for a moment, she still agreed to their request.
Naturally, they had no use for the flashlight for the time being.
Thus, Roxanne took out the batteries and made a simple stove using the things Lucian packed. She was planning to use it to prepare a barbeque for lunch.
By the time they finished setting up, there was still some time until noon. Hence, Roxanne brought the kids to a place nearby to play. She had prepared many toys for them, especially for Estella.
Since Roxanne did not know what toys Estella liked to play with outdoors, she simply gathered some toys and brought them along. Before leaving the tents, the children each took their favorite toy out.
Archie and Benny each chose a water gun and a camera, while Estella picked a drawing board after much contemplation.
Roxanne could not help but chuckle when she saw the children’s toy of choice. After that, she led them away from the campsite.
The further they walked, the more types of flowers and plants they saw. It was all thanks to Roxanne’s influence that the children paid special attention to the plants in the wild.
Along the way, they would ask her about the names and uses of the flowers. Even the cameras they brought along turned out handy.
Since many plants in the world had medicinal uses, it was only natural that Roxanne was familiar with them. Thus, she answered each of their questions patiently.
Estella, however, was clearly quieter than the boys. Instead of asking questions, she followed behind them and drew on her drawing board in silence.
When Roxanne noticed Estella’s unusual silence, she thought the latter was feeling awkward. Hence, Roxanne stopped in her tracks and asked, “Are you having fun, Essie? I can take you back to the tent if you’re feeling tired.”
The boys, too, cast her concerned gazes, thinking she was being silent because she was not used to such settings.
To their surprise, Estella showed them her drawing board the moment Roxanne finished her sentence.
Estella’s brushstrokes were rather childish, but the drawing was recognizable. They were the plants Roxanne explained earlier.
“I think it’s fun!” Estella said, her eyes gleaming.
She loved the plants, and she was impressed with how Roxanne knew all of them.
Roxanne was relieved to see Estella so happy. Giving the latter a pat on the head, she then brought the children to sit on the grass.
They were surrounded by a field of flowers.
While Roxanne introduced the flowers to Archie and Benny, she casually picked some, occasionally glancing at Estella.
Soon, a delicate wreath was formed.
However, Estella was too focused on drawing that she did not notice Roxanne’s actions.
The boys, on the other hand, were stunned by the wreath in Roxanne’s hand.
Although she had made one for them when they were abroad, the flowers there were not as pretty as the ones they currently saw. Thus, the wreath Roxanne had just made was exceptionally pretty.
Before they could even gasp, Roxanne placed her finger to her lips to hush them.
Seeing that, the boys sealed their lips and grinned as they watched Roxanne place the wreath on Estella’s head.
“Ah!” It frightened Estella, for she thought something had fallen on her head.
When she returned to her senses, she saw Roxanne and the boys staring at her, which confused her even more.
Estella was dressed in a white dress and had two braids, each resting on her shoulders. Coupled with her cute features and the wreath, she looked like a little fairy that had popped out of a storybook, especially since she was gazing at them innocently.
Seeing how cute she was, Archie hurriedly took out his camera and snapped a picture.
When Estella saw that, a bewildered expression spread across her face, and she carefully touched the top of her head.
“What is…” Estella carefully placed the wreath in her hand and shot Roxanne a delighted look. Smiling, Roxanne patted Estella’s head and said, “It looks a little funny because I haven’t made one in a long time.”
In response, Estella shook her head fervently. “I love it!” As if to prove how much she loved it, Estella placed it gently in front of her and began drawing it.
Seeing that, Roxanne and the boys scooted over curiously, only to be shocked by Estella’s drawing, which was slowly becoming complete.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.