Cristofer suddenly thought about what had happened last night. With an uneasy look, he cleared his throat and called Luke’s name, “Uncle Luke.”
“Mr. Hans, what can I do for you?” Luke asked.
“What’s the sweet soup tonight?”
“It’s egg drop soup with corn kernels,” Luke answered respectfully.
“Got it,” Cristofer nodded in acknowledgment. Observing Luke’s composed demeanor, he felt confident that the soup had no additional ingredients. He lowered his head and offered Estelle a reassuring smile, signaling that there was no cause for concern.
Estelle nodded back, relieved. However, she couldn’t help but ponder, ‘Last night, Cristofer managed to restrain himself by pinching his left arm. Now his left hand is seriously injured. If what happened last night recurs and he resorts to the same method of restraint, he may experience a relapse, potentially causing further harm to his arm. In such a scenario, he wouldn’t be able to care for himself, let alone work or drive.’
Luke, perceptive to the expressions on Cristofer and Estelle’s faces, understood their concerns and couldn’t help but chuckle. “Mr. Hans, Estelle, please put your minds at ease. The sweet soup today is just sweet soup. I haven’t added anything else except a bit of honey.”
Estelle, having her thoughts exposed, felt a touch of embarrassment.
Remaining composed, Cristofer responded, “Understood. Thank you for your efforts, Uncle Luke.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m willing to do anything if it helps reconcile you two!”
“Grandpa Luke, I saw boiled eggs here. Can I have one?” Yvonne’s sweet voice called out from the kitchen.
Surprised that Yvonne had gone into the kitchen, Luke rushed over, saying, “Little Yvonne, don’t touch the pot. It’s hot! Wait for me in the dining room, and I’ll serve you the soup and an egg.”
Estelle couldn’t help but smile at Luke’s thoughtfulness.
Cristofer, sporting an even wider smile, remarked, “Uncle Luke is always patient with the children.”
“Was Uncle Luke just as patient with you when you were a child?”
“Yes, but I was quite naughty back then. Sometimes, he scolded me when I misbehaved,” Cristofer admitted.
Hearing this, Estelle raised her eyebrows and asked, “Uncle Luke scolded you?”
Cristofer began to reminisce, “It wasn’t just him; my parents and Grandpa would scold me too. Back then, I wished I had a brother who would stand up for me when the adults scolded me.”
Estelle’s smile faltered upon hearing his words. She inquired, “Did you genuinely wish for a brother?”
“When I was a child, yes.”
“Then... Did you want an older brother or a younger brother?”
“I wanted an older brother who would protect me when I was in danger and help me when I needed assistance. But such a wish will never come true. My parents have been gone for many years.” Cristofer shifted the conversation as he mentioned his parents’ deaths, saying, “Estelle, I believe there are still some hidden facts regarding the car accident from nine years ago.”
“Hidden facts?” Estelle was intrigued.
“It’s merely a conjecture, and I haven’t confirmed it yet. I intend to reinvestigate the case, but it may take some time.”
As they chatted, the two of them ascended to the bedroom. Luke, who was typically efficient, had repaired the bedroom’s door lock. When Cristofer and Estelle laid eyes on the lock, memories of the previous night came rushing back, and they felt somewhat embarrassed. Pretending not to notice the door lock, they entered the room together.
“You can go ahead and take a shower,” Cristofer suggested.
“What about you?” Estelle inquired, looking at him.
Cristofer raised his injured left hand and explained, “I need to keep my wound away from water; otherwise, it might get infected. So, I won’t be showering tonight.”
“Is there a first aid kit at home?” Estelle inquired.
“Yes, but it’s stored downstairs in the cabinet. I don’t want Uncle Luke and Grandpa to discover my injury. I’d rather they not worry about me,” Cristofer replied.
Estelle nodded, indicating her understanding. She didn’t say anything further and instead turned and made her way towards the bathroom.
“Estelle,” Cristofer called her name.
Stopping her steps, Estelle turned around and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Cristofer pointed towards the nearby wardrobe and said, “I don’t stay here often, so there aren’t many clothes in the wardrobe. You can pick out whatever you like and change into them after your shower.”
It was only then that Estelle realized she didn’t have any spare clothes here, and she glanced down at her wrinkled and blood-stained outfit.
‘It’s Cristofer’s blood,’ she thought.
Then she nodded at Cristofer, walked to the wardrobe, and opened it. There were only four suits and several shirts in the wardrobe. Judging from the clothes, she could see that he indeed didn’t stay here very often.
“Um... These are all old clothes, and I have never worn them. I have no new clothes here,” Cristofer said in a gentle voice, “How about I ask someone to send some new clothes...”
“It’s okay,” Estelle interrupted him. “It’s so late now. Don’t bother. I’ll pick one shirt from them and wear it.”
Cristofer was a little surprised when hearing this. “Don’t you mind that I have worn them?” he asked, still remembering that she had refused him when he wrapped his coat around her on Mount Cloud.
Hearing his question, Estelle, having just taken out a shirt from the wardrobe, thought for a moment and said, “No.”
“Okay.”
Estelle proceeded to the bathroom, and Cristofer watched her slender figure until she disappeared into the bathroom. Shortly afterward, he could hear the sound of running water emanating from inside.
Cristofer, wearied, took a seat on the bed and leaned against the headboard, his injured left hand extended before him. His palm was stained with blood, bearing a deep cut. Some of the blood had dried, while fresh droplets were still seeping from the wound.
With a bitter smile, he retrieved a few tissues from the box and gently wiped away the bloodstains from his hand. His gaze remained fixated in the direction of the bathroom, lost in thought.
‘It’s so unexpected that a slender and seemingly delicate woman like Estelle could muster such strength when she wielded that knife. If I hadn’t reached the clinic in time today, Mr. Klein might have faced dire consequences, and Estelle could have been in police custody. Estelle has always been intelligent and level-headed. She must have been pushed to her limits at that moment to consider such a drastic act, regardless of the consequences.’
‘It’s undoubtedly due to Mr. Klein’s derogatory comments about Mr. Mysterious that pushed Estelle over the edge. Mr. Mysterious is like an emotional thorn in her heart. The mere mention of him inflicts profound pain. He holds an irreplaceable place in her heart…’
At that moment, the sound of running water ceased, and Estelle emerged from the bathroom with damp hair.
“Have you finished your shower?” Cristofer inquired.
“Yes,” Estelle replied, toweling her wet hair. “Have Uncle Luke and the children already gone to bed?”
Cristofer approached the bedroom door, listening intently for any sounds from downstairs. After briefly pausing, he confirmed, “It’s quite late now. The children have probably had their sweet soup and gone to sleep. Uncle Luke is likely looking after them.”
“Got it. I’ll head downstairs to retrieve the medical kit. Since we can’t go to the hospital, I’ll take care of your wound,” Estelle declared.