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Novel Catalog
Chapter 78
In the past, it had always been the three of them—Roxanne, Archie, and Benny—enjoying meals together, occasionally with Madilyn joining in. But now, for the first time, Lucian was sitting at the table with them.
As they ate, a strange tension filled the air. Archie and Benny exchanged subtle glances, and various emotions stirred in their hearts. It was clear that the presence of Lucian, someone who had always seemed so distant, shifted the familiar dynamic of their meal.
Lucian paused mid-step and turned to meet Estella’s wide, expectant eyes. Then, his gaze moved to the seat beside the children, where utensils were already neatly placed. A flicker of emotion passed through his eyes—this was where he was meant to sit.
For a brief moment, he considered the implications. The four of them… were a family, weren’t they? But would it feel out of place for him to sit there, like he was intruding?
Before he could dwell on it further, he found himself seated at the table, almost automatically. The atmosphere, once light and carefree, now felt charged, as if the presence of an outsider had altered the mood. Lucian couldn’t help but wonder if he had something to do with it.
The room grew quiet. Archie and Benny focused on their food, avoiding eye contact, and the silence hung heavy in the air. Estella, sensing the change, lost her appetite. She took tiny, reluctant bites of her food, her earlier excitement evaporating.
Roxanne noticed immediately. “Essie, is there something you don’t like?” she asked gently.
Estella quickly shook her head, though her small frown said otherwise.
Benny, who understood Estella’s silence, put down his utensils and answered for her. “Essie’s just like us. She doesn’t like carrots and peppers. She always picks them out in kindergarten.”
Roxanne’s expression softened, a kind smile appearing. “I’ll help you pick them out, okay?”
A small smile returned to Estella’s face as she nodded, feeling comforted by Roxanne’s care.
Roxanne moved to help, carefully picking out the unwanted vegetables from Estella’s plate and placing them on her own. Once done, she watched as Estella picked up her spoon again, ready to eat.
But just as Estella began to take another bite, a sudden tug on the back of her hand made her stop. A sharp sting of pain shot through her, and tears welled up in her eyes. She hesitated, her hand trembling, before looking up at Roxanne with a plea for help.
Roxanne immediately noticed the expression on Estella’s face. Concern crept into her voice as she put down her utensils. “What’s wrong, Essie?”
Estella bit her lip to hold back her tears and slowly turned her hand over, showing Roxanne the back of it.
The room fell silent as everyone saw the ugly red mark across Estella’s delicate skin. The contrast of her fair complexion and the vivid redness of the mark made it look even more alarming.
Roxanne’s brow furrowed with worry. “What happened?”
Estella remained silent, her lips trembling as she fought to keep her composure.
Roxanne glanced at Lucian, her eyes pleading for an explanation.
Lucian felt a pang of guilt but masked it with calmness. “Did you hurt yourself while throwing things earlier?”
Roxanne’s eyes widened. “Throwing things?”
Lucian sighed inwardly. “Essie has trouble expressing her emotions. Sometimes, when she’s upset, she’ll throw things to release her frustration.”
He couldn’t bring himself to mention the word “autism,” uncertain of how Roxanne would react if she knew.
Roxanne looked at Estella in surprise, then back at Lucian. “Did you hurt yourself, Essie?”
Estella hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty before she nodded gently.
Lucian’s frown deepened. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Estella flinched, instinctively moving closer to Roxanne as though seeking protection. Her reaction struck a chord with Roxanne, who cast Lucian a disapproving glance.
The child was hurt, and yet Lucian’s tone remained detached, almost cold. How could he speak to her like that?
Roxanne quickly turned her attention back to Estella. “Does it hurt a lot?”
Estella nodded silently, her lips pressed together as she fought back tears.
Roxanne’s voice softened as she gently took Estella’s hand in hers. “You’ll be fine. I’ll put some medicine on it. It won’t hurt for long.”
She looked over at her boys and instructed them gently, “Keep her company. I’ll get the medical kit.”
Both Archie and Benny nodded and immediately began talking to Estella, trying to comfort her with lighthearted stories and jokes, making her smile again despite her discomfort.
