Roxanne was exhausted. Usually a light sleeper, she slept soundly that night, unaware of being carried upstairs to the guest room. Lucian gently placed her on the bed, ensuring her head rested on the pillow before rising.

Behind them, Catalina’s grin widened at Lucian’s care for Roxanne. She settled Estella beside Roxanne, tucked them in, and stepped back.

Lucian gazed at Roxanne as she offered, "Mr. Farwell, why don't you rest? I'll keep them company. You have to go to the office tomorrow, right?"

Lucian shook his head. "No need. I'm not tired. Essie's sick, so I'll care for her. You can go home now."

Catalina was amused. He's worried about Estella? But his eyes are fixed on Ms. Jarvis! She thought, It's best to leave them alone. They can spend time together and hopefully grow closer.

With that, Catalina quietly left.

A dim night lamp illuminated the room. Lucian silently observed Roxanne's features. Her face was as gorgeous as six years ago, but her open eyes revealed a different person. He found himself strangely attracted to her, a feeling absent in the past. I wonder how she spent the last six years, he mused.

A while later, Roxanne's brows furrowed. Lucian frowned. Is she having a nightmare? She seems uneasy even asleep.

In her dream, Roxanne relived the day Lucian shot her a disgusted look. He said nothing, but she knew what he would say. She staggered backward, covering her ears, but his cruel words resonated: "I'll never like you!" The sentence echoed relentlessly.

Suffocated, Roxanne struggled before jolting awake. The darkness made her feel as if she were still dreaming. Her heart sank.

"What's wrong? Did you have a nightmare?" Lucian's deep voice sounded beside her, overlapping with the voice from her dream.

Roxanne's heart lurched as she looked at him. He stood in shadow, his expression hidden. When she didn't answer, he frowned and took a step closer.

Thinking she was still dreaming, Roxanne panicked at his movement. Instinctively, she clung to the bed and retreated.

Lucian stopped, softening his voice. "What did you dream of?"

Stepping out of the shadows, he revealed his concerned expression.

It took Roxanne a few seconds to realize she wasn't dreaming. Regaining her composure, she replied calmly, "Nothing. Just a nightmare."

She saw Estella sleeping soundly. Touching the girl's forehead, she noted the fever had subsided. Estella should be fine by morning.

Roxanne got out of bed, tidied herself, and said softly, "Essie will recover by morning, but make sure she doesn't catch a cold. I should go now."

As she turned to leave, a large hand grasped her wrist.