Before heading downstairs, Alfred asked Roxanne if he could get out of bed in his condition. Receiving her approval, he allowed Jonathan and the butler to support him as he slowly descended the stairs.
Roxanne sat at the dining table, her head bowed low, trying to make herself inconspicuous. Frieda, however, seemed intent on making things difficult, repeatedly directing questions at Aubree and Roxanne. Roxanne answered them all, on Alfred's behalf.
A while later, the butler announced, "Mr. Farwell." Lucian responded in his deep voice, and his tall, lean figure appeared.
"Hello, Old Mr. Queen," Lucian greeted, his gaze sweeping the room. He paused momentarily when his eyes fell on Roxanne. She dug her nails into her palms, met his gaze, and nodded calmly. Lucian raised his eyebrows and smiled slightly.
"Take a seat, Lucian. Aubree's been waiting for you for almost half a day," Frieda said warmly, gesturing to the seat beside Aubree. Earlier, she'd used the excuse of her grandfather wanting to thank Roxanne to position Roxanne opposite Alfred, with herself and Jonathan beside the doctor. This left only the seat next to Aubree vacant. However, knowing Lucian's closer relationship with Alfred, Aubree stood and offered him her seat, placing him beside Alfred and opposite Roxanne.
Roxanne tensed as he sat facing her, slowly lowering her gaze. During dinner, she ate quietly, speaking only when Alfred addressed her. Aubree, however, was more concerned with Lucian's attitude toward Roxanne. Even while serving Alfred, she monitored Lucian's gaze and engaged him in conversation to distract him from Roxanne.
Roxanne remained unaware of Aubree's motives. She only perceived their interactions as familial, and felt increasingly uncomfortable.
Frieda, surprised by Roxanne's composure, turned to Aubree and said, with a suggestive lilt, "Aubree, you and Lucian look so much in love! Have you picked a wedding date yet? I'm still waiting to be your bridesmaid!"
Roxanne froze. She wondered if Lucian and Aubree were not yet married. Aubree's smile faltered; she hadn't anticipated Frieda's question. Before she could change the subject, Alfred's concerned gaze fell on them.
"That's right. You two have been together for so many years. Even Estella has grown up. Isn't it time to settle down?"
"Yes, you should have gotten married a long time ago. I don't even know why you've dragged it on until now," Jonathan added teasingly.
All eyes turned to Lucian, awaiting his response. Instead of answering directly, he glanced at Roxanne. This brief exchange didn't go unnoticed.
Roxanne clenched her fists, suppressing her doubts before meeting Lucian's gaze. Their eyes met briefly; Lucian noted Roxanne's indifference, his brow furrowing in displeasure.
The extraneous promotional text has been removed. The writing has been improved for clarity, flow, and grammar.