His claim

When Mari had returned to her chamber that night, she met Roman sitting with Mauve in there.

The man held his daughter lovingly in his lap, and her small hands were wrapped around his neck. She could hear him humming something as he tapped her back as if trying to lull her to sleep.

Mari neared after much thought.

"Is she asleep?" Her voice was soft, barely a whisper.

He didn't turn to gaze at her but then spoke from where he sat. "Perhaps if you had remained here, you would have known" He retorted in a cold voice.

Mari swallowed. She couldn't counter his words.

She knew he was sensitive whenever it came to Mauve, but then Mari was trying her best to fill up the hole that his late wife had left behind.

Roman just refused to see it.

She watched him get up from the chair. He lifted Mauve effortlessly and gently made his way toward the bed so as to not disturb his little princess.

Mauve was indeed asleep.