Lucian, aware of Roxanne's unease, quietly checked his emails on the couch after entering the room. Roxanne was playing with the children when a knock at the door drew her attention. Opening it, she found two waiters pushing a cart, accompanied by a man who introduced himself as the hotel manager. Puzzled, as they hadn't ordered room service, Roxanne glanced at Lucian. "Good afternoon," the manager said courteously, "This is the lunch included in your vouchers. Enjoy your meal." Understanding dawned on Roxanne. She thanked him and allowed the waiters to bring the cart inside.
After the waiters set the table, Roxanne called the children to lunch. Lucian, however, remained on the couch, absorbed in his emails. Finally, Roxanne approached him. "Mr. Farwell, come and have lunch with us," she invited. He looked up at her invitation. She joined Estella at the table, feeling less uncomfortable with Estella between them. Remembering their outing was for the children, she suppressed her unease and focused on them.
"Eat, Ms. Jarvis," Estella said, clumsily placing food on Roxanne's and Lucian's plates with a bright smile. Roxanne chuckled. "Thank you, Essie. But you don't need to look after me. You should eat more." Worried about Estella's frail frame, Roxanne watched as the girl obediently ate, flashing a toothy smile.
Archie and Benny followed suit, serving Roxanne and Estella, urging Estella to eat more to grow taller. A harmonious atmosphere settled over the four, contrasting sharply with Lucian's detached presence. Hesitating, Roxanne served him some food. "Thank you for bringing us here this morning, Mr. Farwell," she said, wanting to avoid spoiling the mood.
A flicker of something crossed Lucian's eyes as he smiled. "Don't worry about it. I should thank you for sharing a room with us, Ms. Jarvis. Otherwise, Essie would have been disappointed." Estella nodded. Roxanne smiled faintly.
Archie and Benny, confused, exchanged glances. Their unspoken question hung in the air: Mommy doesn't like Daddy, does she? Why did she serve him food? After a brief hesitation, they served Roxanne and Lucian, cautiously observing Lucian from the corner of their eyes. Lucian, surprised, arched a brow. "Thank you," he said.