Roxanne's words made Lucian raise an eyebrow as he looked down at Estella, whose hand he held. Estella, visibly nervous, hung her head, tightening her grip on his hand.
Noticing Estella's disappointment, Roxanne's heart softened. In the past, Estella would have been overjoyed to see her. Today, however, Estella seemed apprehensive, wary of closeness. Roxanne sighed inwardly. It must be because of her request to maintain distance before her last trip overseas. Archie and Benny had mentioned Estella's longing while she was away.
Leaning closer, Roxanne stroked Estella's hair. "I'm alright," she reassured her, "I just didn't want you to worry. Don't I look fine?"
Feeling Roxanne's warmth, Estella hesitated before pursing her lips, raising her head to meet Roxanne's gaze. Roxanne's tender smile brimmed with affection. Estella gradually curled her lips, though still hesitant to approach.
After a while, Archie and Benny, curious about Roxanne's prolonged absence, went to the door to investigate. Seeing their visitors, they exchanged hesitant glances. Delighted by Estella's presence, they were reluctant to welcome Lucian. Feeling conflicted, they didn't know how to react.
"Mommy," they finally approached Roxanne after a moment.
"Have you finished your breakfast?" she asked.
They nodded obediently, smiling at Estella before giving Lucian a wary look. "Mr. Farwell, what are you doing here?"
Lucian replied earnestly, slightly frowning, "It's not me. It's Essie."
Estella nodded, giving her brothers a pitiful look. She sensed their hostility toward Lucian and disliked it. She wished they liked both Roxanne and Lucian.
The brothers knitted their brows in silence, meeting Estella's sad eyes.
Roxanne turned to Estella. "Essie, have you had breakfast? Why don't you come in and join us?"
Delighted, Estella nodded fervently. Roxanne stroked her hair, smiling before extending a hand. Lucian, a glint in his eyes, silently released Estella's hand and followed them into the living room.
Once the brothers finished breakfast, they sat in the living room, watching Roxanne and Estella eat while keeping a close eye on Lucian. Though under their watchful gaze, Lucian remained passive, allowing their scrutiny.
In the dining room, Estella, who had already eaten, simply wished to spend more time with Roxanne, checking on her frequently and offering more food when she seemed pale. Roxanne felt touched but guilty, cared for by the children all morning. Despite Estella's affection, she knew she had to keep her distance because of Lucian.