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Novel Catalog
Chapter 21
Her Relationship with That Man
Estella extended her injured hand toward her father without hesitation, her small fingers trembling slightly. Lucian’s brow furrowed as he examined the bruise, the sight of it tightening his chest with a protective instinct.
“What happened? Were you bullied by the other kids?” His voice held a note of concern, but Estella stiffened and shook her head vigorously.
She wasn’t bullied?
Lucian felt a brief flicker of confusion before asking, “Then what happened?” His eyes searched her face, hoping for an answer.
Estella didn’t reply with words. Instead, she picked up her pencil and slowly wrote on her drawing book: “treeped.” She paused after finishing the word, cocking her head to the side, unsure. Her brows furrowed as she stared at the letters, wondering if she had spelled it correctly. Spelling had always been a challenge for her, and if she couldn’t quite get it, she often wrote what she thought sounded right—or simply skipped the word altogether.
“Did you trip?” Lucian asked softly after reading the word.
Estella nodded, her gaze dropping to the floor as though embarrassed.
Lucian let out a sigh of relief, his fingers brushing gently against her bruise. “Did the teacher take care of it?” he asked, his voice warmer now.
Estella nodded again, but there was a faraway look in her eyes that made Lucian’s heart tighten.
“This will take a few days to heal. We need to take care of it properly,” he murmured. “I’ll help you, okay?”
Estella didn’t reject him. The small smile she gave him was all the answer he needed.
Lucian crouched down, gently lifting her into his arms. He carried her downstairs, holding her close as if she were the most fragile thing in the world. When they reached the living room, he settled into the couch, placing her carefully on his lap.
“Catalina, can you bring the medical kit?” Lucian instructed, his voice calm but firm.
Catalina responded quickly, returning moments later with the kit. Lucian immediately opened it, pulling out a spray and applying it to her bruise. He massaged the area gently, his eyes constantly checking Estella’s expression for any sign of discomfort.
Estella winced slightly but didn’t cry out. She simply pursed her lips, her brow furrowing in silent endurance.
Lucian’s gaze softened as he studied her. His thoughts drifted for a moment, and he couldn’t help but think, She looks so much like her mother when she’s solemn. So quiet. So reserved. The thought hit him harder than he expected, and he quickly pushed it aside. He couldn’t afford to be distracted.
Sensing his gaze, Estella looked up at him. Her wide, innocent eyes locked onto his, and then her gaze dropped to his lips. She pointed at them, her face filled with confusion.
Lucian blinked, momentarily caught off guard.
“It’s nothing,” he replied with a forced smile, trying to keep his voice light. “A wild kitty bit me.”
Estella’s brow furrowed in even more confusion. She grabbed a pencil and paper from the coffee table and wrote: Where did the cat come from?
Lucian’s eyes darkened for a moment, his expression hardening. “From overseas,” he answered curtly, unwilling to say more. He could feel his anger rising, but he fought it back—especially in front of Estella.
He took the pencil and paper from her, his touch gentle. “Let’s not talk about this anymore,” he said, his voice softening. “It’s getting late. Time for bed.”
Estella looked up at him with quiet curiosity, but she didn’t push further. She knew when her father didn’t want to talk about something. Instead, she let him pick her up and carry her upstairs without protest.
Meanwhile, at home, the two children were still awake when Roxanne returned. Madilyn had been keeping them company while they watched TV, but the moment Roxanne entered the room, the children’s attention shifted.
“Mommy!” they both exclaimed in unison, rushing over to her.
Roxanne smiled warmly, kneeling down to hug them both. “Did you drink?” Archie asked, scrunching his nose as he caught the faint scent of alcohol on her. “I’ll make you something for your headache.”
Without waiting for an answer, he turned and headed toward the kitchen, his small hands already set on making a remedy.
Benny, on the other hand, carefully led her to the couch. “I’ll massage your head, Mommy. So you won’t feel bad,” he said solemnly, climbing onto her lap and gently massaging her temples.
Madilyn watched them with a playful glint in her eyes, but also a hint of jealousy. “Why are my godsons so sweet?” she teased.
Roxanne chuckled softly, her heart warming at the sight of her sons taking care of her. “Do you like them?” she teased back. “Have one of your own.”
Madilyn quickly shook her head, laughing. “Forget it. The one I have might not be as sensible as Archie and Benny. I just want to steal yours.”
As Benny continued his massage, he looked up at Madilyn with a serious expression. “Aunt Madilyn, you don’t have to steal us. If you’re ever drunk, Archie and I will take care of you, too!”
Madilyn’s heart melted. She wanted to scoop him up and kiss him, but the two boys were busy, and all she could do was squeeze her hands together and sigh dramatically. “You two are the best! I love you both to death.”
Roxanne shuddered at the overly sweet words, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself.
She took the hangover remedy Archie had made for her and sipped it slowly, the warmth of the drink spreading through her. By the time she finished, the room had grown quiet, the night settling in.
“All right, I’m fine now,” she said, standing up and kissing each of her sons on the forehead. “Hurry upstairs and get some rest.”
The boys nodded and, after a quick goodnight to Madilyn, they ran up the stairs, eager to sleep. Madilyn watched them go with a smile before turning back to Roxanne.
“Take care of yourself, okay?” she said with a warm smile.
Roxanne smiled back, her gaze softening. “I will. Thank you, Madilyn.”
