His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 142

“You mean…”

Cedric’s face was swallowed in shadow as he let out a quiet sigh. “Tell Casper to come see me.”

...

Maybe it was just Lumina’s imagination.

But ever since Soren arrived in Yuria, business at the flower shop had noticeably improved, and Barbara’s attitude toward her had softened. The older woman no longer found fault with Lumina at every turn; in fact, with Christmas approaching, she’d even slipped a holiday card and a small gift into Lumina’s bag.

Soren didn’t have much to occupy him in Yuria, so he picked her up from work every day. When the shop was busy, he’d wait for her on the bench by the door, watching as her pale fingers arranged bouquets, trimmed stems, and wrapped the finished flowers with gentle care.

Sometimes, in the middle of her work, Lumina would glance up and catch him watching her, his gaze filled with quiet warmth.

After closing, Soren would help her tidy up, then buy a small bunch of flowers to reward her for the day’s hard work. If Lumina protested, he’d simply slip them into the mailbox at the bottom of her building, refusing to take no for an answer.

Lunchtime was always Barbara’s favorite moment for gossip.

“Oh, Lumina, you really are lucky,” she’d sigh. “Pregnant and still turning heads—look at your boyfriend, spoiling you every day! Fancy car, flowers, picking you up from work. I wish someone would treat me like that.”

Lumina would just smile. “You’ve got it wrong. He’s not my boyfriend.”

This routine lasted for a couple of weeks, enough that Nadia began to notice.

One afternoon, Nadia cornered Lumina in the kitchen, arms folded. “So, who’s the romantic who puts flowers in your mailbox every day? Spill.”

“Just a friend,” Lumina replied, a little too quickly.

Nadia grinned. “Fat chance. He’s obviously trying out for stepdad of the year!”

Lumina shot her a look. “Say what you like to me, but don’t go telling him any nonsense.”

Nadia was quiet for a second, then her eyes went wide. “Wait—don’t tell me… he’s actually the baby’s father?”

Lumina had no idea how she’d arrived at such a ridiculous conclusion. She grabbed a wooden spoon and brandished it at Nadia. “Get back to your room and do your homework! Keep talking and you can skip dinner.”

Nadia stuck out her tongue. “I’m not scared. I’ve got my darling Keegan—he’ll take care of me and bring me something to eat!”

She rested her palm on her stomach, thinking quietly that maybe tonight was the time to tell Soren the truth.

At first, her relationship with Soren had been calculated—a way to escape from Banyan Town. But as time went by, Lumina realized Soren was, in so many ways, an ideal partner. His looks, his temperament, his outlook on love—they all seemed to fit her perfectly.

She couldn’t deny it: she liked being cared for, cherished this way. But it had to be on honest terms. She no longer needed anything from him, and it wouldn’t be fair to keep accepting his kindness without being truthful.

Soren drove her to a rooftop restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows and a spectacular view of Yuria’s city lights.

Two glasses of red wine arrived at their table. Soren raised his glass, clinking it gently against hers.

Lumina took a sip, then set her glass down.

Soren noticed, a small smile playing at his lips.

She lowered her eyes, gathering her thoughts, then finally looked up, as if working up her courage. “There’s something I haven’t told you. I’ve been keeping it from you for a while.”

Soren set down his wine and turned to her, the smile fading slightly from his eyes. “You’re pregnant, aren’t you?”