Chapter 129: Are You Injured?

Roxanne had felt the same way earlier that morning, so hearing Benny's reassurance filled her heart with warmth. "Maybe," she said. "I'm really glad you two are able to look after Essie."

Benny patted his chest confidently. "Don't worry, Mommy!" he declared in his childish voice. "Archie and I will keep Essie safe!"

Roxanne giggled.

Lucian, glancing in the rearview mirror, saw Benny's promise and Roxanne's laughter. A hint of tenderness softened his eyes as he witnessed their heartwarming interaction. She's raised those boys well, he thought. They're far more mature than other children their age.

He planned to leave after dropping them off. He'd seen firsthand how well Roxanne cared for Estella, and Archie and Benny treated Estella like a sister. There was no need for him to stay and make them uncomfortable.

As they exited the car, Roxanne hesitated, then looked at Estella. "How about you join us for dinner? I'm sure Essie would love having you."

Lucian gave her a quizzical look, then said, "Thanks, I'll take you up on that."

Roxanne led the children inside, Lucian following after parking the car. In the kitchen, she quickly washed her hands and began making dinner. Archie and Benny took Estella to the living room to play with their Lego set.

Lucian, initially hesitant, decided to stand nearby and help if needed. The boys worked together, quickly assembling the Lego pieces.

As they reached the final piece, Archie looked at Lucian hesitantly. Lucian offered his hand, and Archie placed the piece in his palm. The boy lowered his head, watching wordlessly as Lucian attached it.

Estella, watching, suddenly reached for a Lego piece. Archie and Benny's eyes lit up.

After a brief pause, Estella began assembling pieces at their pace. Archie and Benny, thinking she remembered playing Lego with them before, exchanged joyful glances.

Lucian froze in shock, then a warm smile spread across his face. Looks like Essie really likes their company, he thought.

Seeing them engrossed in their game, Roxanne quietly served dinner. As she left the kitchen, her elbow struck the doorframe, sending a bowl of soup crashing to the floor.

The noise caused everyone in the living room to turn. Lucian was the first to react. "Are you injured?" he asked, rushing to her side.

He noticed a red mark on her forearm. Before she could respond, he gently grasped her uninjured arm and led her to the sink, rinsing the wound.

Archie and Benny, though worried, knew they couldn't help with the wound, so they began cleaning the spilled soup.

"Don't touch it!" Roxanne called. "You'll get burned! Get Essie away from here!"

They hesitated, then moved Estella, but she stubbornly resisted. Before they could ask Roxanne for help, they heard a sob.

Everyone turned to Estella, seeing tears streaming down her face.

(The final promotional sentence has been removed as it is inappropriate for inclusion in a cleaned-up text.)