His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 17

Lumina immediately pressed her skirt down. She looked at him with a mix of wariness and indignation, her voice fierce and resolute, “The doctor said it’s a laceration—pretty serious. I need to apply the ointment on time every day! And for the next five months, absolutely no sex.”

The lines on the man’s brow grew deeper, especially when he heard those last few words; displeasure was written all over his face.

“It takes five months to heal from this?”

“Of course! This isn’t just a little scratch,” Lumina huffed, clearly annoyed. “If you think I’m exaggerating, why don’t you try going through it yourself? See how you like fighting through the pain.”

He fell silent for a moment.

Then, he reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his tone softening. “Alright. I get it.”

With her back to him, Lumina continued making coffee, her hands trembling with nerves before slowly calming down.

She couldn’t help but feel a little smug. Who knew she had such a knack for acting? Even Cedric had bought her story.

“Anything else, Mr. Royce?” she asked, businesslike as ever despite their earlier spat, handing him the steaming mug.

The room instantly filled with the mellow, comforting aroma of fresh coffee—warm, rich, and inviting.

Cedric took a sip, clearly satisfied, and nodded slightly. “Come with me to a family dinner tonight. It’s my cousin’s daughter’s coming-of-age party.”

Lumina’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly.

Whenever there was a family event—birthdays, funerals, anniversaries—Cedric always brought her along.

Officially, she was introduced as his girlfriend, but in reality, she was there to keep his relatives’ endless matchmaking schemes at bay.

Cedric never seemed to realize that, once she was out there, she became the target of all those judgmental stares, the whispers and sideways glances—people just waiting to pick her apart.

That’s why Lumina loathed dealing with these high-society women. They were all sharp-tongued and cunning, ready to set a trap with a smile.

So she ventured, “Can I skip this one?”

Maybe she’d pushed him a little too far today, because Cedric’s gaze grew frosty, his eyes sweeping over her with a cold edge.

Lumina instantly changed her tune. “I’m just kidding. Business as usual. You’ll pick out my dress for me? You always have the best taste.”

She put on her most charming, sycophantic smile. Inside, though, she was cursing him up and down.

...

That afternoon, Hilton appeared at her office again, trailed by three saleswomen, each holding up a different dress for her to choose from.

Cedric’s taste was famously impeccable. He always picked dresses that flattered her figure and suited the occasion perfectly.

But looking at the beautiful outfits, Lumina felt utterly uninterested. She had no desire to go to the party, so she just pointed at a silvery mauve satin gown.

“That one’s fine.”

But when she tried it on in front of the mirror, she felt a bit awkward. The bodice was especially tight across her chest.

Clearly, Stella was also going to the party tonight.

Lumina’s expression darkened. She glanced at Cedric behind the wheel, her voice cool and flat. “Since you already have a date for tonight, Mr. Royce, why insist on bringing me?”

Before Cedric could answer, Stella fluttered her lashes and spoke in a soft, timid voice, “Please don’t blame Mr. Royce. I begged him to let me come. I’ve never been to such a fancy hotel before. I just wanted to see what it’s like.”

“Did I ask you?” Lumina shot her a cold look, not in the mood for pleasantries.

Something about Lumina’s steely gaze made Stella shiver. She suddenly recalled the rumors about Lumina’s temper and shrank back in her seat.

What should have been a festive night was quickly turning tense.

Cedric’s expression was growing darker too. He shot Lumina a sharp look. “Are you done? Get in the car.”

Lumina hung her head, refusing to move.

He repeated, this time with a hard edge of command. “Get in.”

Lumina exhaled, forcing herself to stay calm.

No point angering him further. Fine. It’s his car, his family’s party. Whoever he wants to bring along is none of her business.

She stepped forward, opened the passenger door, and looked Stella dead in the eye, her voice icy. “Ms. Naylor, you’re in my seat. Move.”