The colorful and dazzling fireworks emblazoned the sky. Everyone simultaneously quieted down and looked up at the scenic view of the night sky.
At that instant, only the music played by the band echoed on the beach. Seemingly to coordinate with the tranquil ambiance, the band members tacitly switched the song they were playing to a more relaxing piece.
Benny paused for a few seconds before slowly catching up with the band’s rhythm. Holding Archie’s hand, Roxanne gazed up at the bursting fireworks in the sky. Then she turned her attention back to Benny, who was playing the drums. A heartfelt grin spread across her face.
Beside Roxanne, Estella grasped her father’s hand and jumped on the spot, wanting to get a clearer view of the fireworks display.
Estella was too short. The horde of onlookers clouded her field of vision when she gazed up.
Lucian glanced downward at Estella before slightly bending down his body. Then, he carried her in his arm and placed her on his shoulder.
Estella’s eyes shone as she appreciated the beauty of the fireworks in the sky.
Meanwhile, Archie was unable to see the fireworks too. A hint of disappointment flashed across his eyes when he saw Estella sitting on Lucian’s shoulder.
If Daddy had not abandoned Mommy and us, perhaps Benny and I could also sit on his shoulder…
Roxanne sensed Archie’s dejection. She scanned her surroundings with a troubled look on her face. “Archie, can you not see the fireworks?”
Although Archie was crestfallen, he shook his head sensibly. “I can see some of it. It’s all right, Mommy.”
Roxanne was reminded of the anticipatory look on Archie’s petite face when he heard about the fireworks display in the afternoon. At the sight of his thoughtful and acquiescent demeanor at that moment, she could not help feeling pangs of heartache and guilt.
If it weren’t for my selfish decision, perhaps Archie and Benny would live a more blissful life
now.
Archie sensed Roxanne’s remorse. He grabbed her hand and comforted her, “We’ll come here again and watch the fireworks next time. I’m very happy that we can find Benny this time.”
With that, he curved his lips and beamed at his mother as if to prove that he was truly fine.
Roxanne’s feelings of guilt intensified.
“Come here. I’ll carry you.” Lucian’s deep voice sounded from atop.
Archie subconsciously gazed up and met Lucian’s eyes, which were brimming with tenderness.
Seeing that, Archie hesitated and turned to look at Roxanne to ask for her opinion.
Roxanne frowned and scrupled for a few moments before taking a step back to make way for Lucian. “Thank you, Mr. Farwell.”
She had caused Archie and Benny to be left out from indulging in fatherly affection for so many years. Although they had yet to realize their relationship with Lucian, Roxanne could not bring herself to deprive Archie and Benny of the opportunity to enjoy paternal love anymore.
Archie’s eyes gleamed when he saw his mother agreeing. Still, he hesitated when he looked at Lucian.
Archie knew Roxanne did not fancy Lucian, so he could not shake off the feeling that he was betraying his mother if he allowed Lucian to carry him.
“If you don’t hurry up, the fireworks display will end soon,” Lucian reminded with his brows raised after taking in Archie’s ambivalence.
Roxanne gave her son a reassuring look. “Let Mr. Farwell lift you so you can see the fireworks.”
Upon hearing that, Archie finally stretch out his hand in Lucian’s direction.
With one hand supporting Estella, who was sitting on one side of his shoulder, Lucian leaned sideways slightly and placed Archie on the other side of his shoulder effortlessly
That was the first time Archie had sat in such a high position. A look of pleasant surprise spread across his face as he gazed down and noticed a sea of heads covered in black hair.
He looked up again at the night sky when the sound of fireworks exploding rang beside his ears.
