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Novel Catalog
Chapter 74
Lucian frowned, surprised by the extent of Estella’s anger.
After listening to Catalina’s words, he nodded and approached the door. “Essie, open the door. Daddy wants to talk to you.”
There was a muffled thump from inside, followed by a harsh silence. Clearly, Estella was throwing something against the door in her attempt to shut him out.
Lucian hesitated for a moment, then spoke again, his tone softer. “What do you want me to do? Can you open the door and talk to me? We can discuss it, okay?”
Another faint thump came from behind the door, accompanied by the silence that followed.
This was the first time Catalina had witnessed Estella react this way. The thought of Estella’s fragile emotional state stirred a deep anxiety within her. “Mr. Farwell, I think we should go in. I’m worried that Ms. Estella might—”
Lucian paused, conflicted, but finally nodded in agreement.
Moments later, Catalina returned with a spare key and opened the door. What they saw inside shocked them both.
The room was in disarray. Dolls, which Estella had always cherished, were scattered all over the floor, and two beautiful music boxes lay near the door, both damaged with visible cracks. It was clear that those were the objects Estella had hurled at the door in her anger.
In the corner of the room, Estella sat curled up, staring blankly at the floor, her face streaked with tears. Beside her were two shabby dolls—ones the adults had never seen before.
As they entered, Estella recoiled instinctively, her gaze averted as she tried to hide her face.
Lucian’s heart clenched at the sight of her, his regret building as he stepped forward, reaching out to comfort her.
But as soon as Estella noticed his approach, she immediately raised her head, her eyes filled with resistance. With a frantic push against the ground, she scrambled backward, trying to distance herself from him.
Lucian froze, seeing the fear in her eyes. “Don’t… be afraid. I know I was wrong,” he said softly, but Estella didn’t seem to hear him.
She curled up further, leaning against the wall and turning her body to the side, her face hidden as her small body shook with sobs.
The adults stood in silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on them. Lucian’s heart ached at the sight of his daughter’s tears.
Finally, Catalina stepped forward, her voice gentle. “Mr. Farwell, why don’t I try talking to her?”
Lucian nodded, stepping back to allow Catalina space.
Catalina approached Estella carefully, extending her arms. This time, Estella didn’t pull away. With a sigh of relief, Catalina embraced Estella gently, patting her back. “What’s wrong, Ms. Estella? Can you tell me? Were you bullied by your classmates at school?”
Estella continued to sob quietly, not responding to Catalina’s words.
Catalina, not knowing how else to comfort her, held her close. “Is it because the twins didn’t go to school today?” Lucian asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Estella’s eyes flickered with recognition, and she turned her head slightly, still sobbing. It wasn’t much, but it was a sign of acknowledgment.
Seeing this, Catalina quickly gave Lucian a look, urging him to reassure Estella.
Lucian sighed, realizing the bond Estella had with the twins was deeper than he’d thought. Perhaps, because they were siblings from different mothers, there was a connection he hadn’t fully understood.
“Okay,” he said softly. “I won’t make them leave the kindergarten.”
Only then did Estella glance up at him, her expression filled with hurt and accusation.
Lucian’s heart softened as he realized just how deeply she was affected. He gently promised, “I won’t chase them away again, I promise.”
Estella continued to stare at him, her gaze still accusatory.
Lucian, understanding the unspoken message, explained gently, “They didn’t go to school today because they were sick. The teacher hasn’t told them about their expulsion.”
Estella’s eyes softened a little, but her hurt remained. Lucian knew it would take time for her to fully heal from the tension between them, but at least for now, he had made a step toward easing her pain.
