After crying for a long while…
Aiden gradually managed to calm himself down.
He sniffled quietly before rubbing his reddened eyes with the back of his hand, then wiping his nose as well.
The small hand that brushed across his face looked far rougher than it ever should have for a child his age.
His palms were no longer soft, carrying tiny calluses along with several thin scars crisscrossing his fingers and the base of his palm.
All of them had been gained inside the kitchen—because of his father's orders for him to help the maids with their work.
One of the maids had even tried to politely refuse, explaining that the child was far too young to handle sharp objects.
For a brief moment, Lucian had almost wondered whether someone inside this house finally possessed a conscience.
But of course, after receiving a scolding from Damien himself, along with a threat that she would never get another job again…
The maid no longer protested.
