Roxanne retracted her hand the moment Estella rose. The warmth of Lucian's skin lingered on her fingertips. When she regained her composure, she looked hesitantly at his hand. Although Estella wasn't heavy, the impact was considerable given her speed. Even Roxanne had struggled to stop her. The coffee table's sharp edge added to her concern.

Was his hand alright? She wanted to check for injuries, but Lucian seemed deliberately concealing it. After a while, he lowered his phone and glanced at the guilty-looking child. "Let's go out and play," he said.

Estella's eyes lit up with excitement. Lucian rose, retrieved a tourist map from the shelf, and said, "You guys pick a place." The children eagerly studied the map. Roxanne, however, remained preoccupied with Lucian. "Mr. Farwell, your hand…"

"It's fine," he replied, meeting her gaze, but she didn't believe him. "Let me have a look," she insisted.

He stared at her for a few seconds before relenting. A long, narrow cut marred the back of his hand; blood stained the wound, and the surrounding area was red and swollen. Roxanne knew such a cut would be painful, yet Lucian showed no sign of discomfort.

The children, noticing their interaction, dropped the map and rushed over. "Daddy," Estella exclaimed, worry and guilt evident in her voice. Archie and Benny added apologetically, "We're sorry, Mr. Farwell. We won't fool around like that again."

Lucian raised an eyebrow, rubbing their heads with his uninjured hand. "It's just a scratch. Don't worry about it." He then turned to Estella, comforting her. "You don't have to feel bad, Essie. I know you enjoy playing with Archie and Benny. I'm happy you're having fun. Injuries happen when you play; it's not your fault. I just want you to have fun."

Despite his words, Estella remained contrite. She understood Lucian's concern about her social interaction. "I'm sorry, Daddy," she cried, hugging his leg.

"It's okay, really. Why don't you choose a place for us to visit?"

"Yes, you should pick a spot while I treat your daddy's wound," Roxanne added.

Though still worried, the children ultimately obeyed.

"Thank you, Ms. Jarvis," Lucian said, offering his hand. Roxanne gave him a stiff smile and fetched the first-aid kit. She asked him to sit on the couch, joining him to tend his wound.

Silence settled between them, but Roxanne's mind raced. Lucian's interaction with Estella initially suggested carelessness, but his words had tugged at her heart. He might be inattentive at times, but his love for Estella was undeniable. If he didn't care, the news wouldn't have called her the apple of his eye. She wondered about Estella's mother, the woman who had given him such a cherished daughter.