His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 26

Cedric had always been particular about what he ate. He never touched anything fried or spicy. He insisted on only the freshest fruits and vegetables, and when it came to meat, it had to be either Angus or Australian Wagyu beef, with the occasional portion of wild-caught deep-sea fish.

He parted his thin lips, about to utter a firm “No,” when Lumina spoke again, “When I was little, Yadiel used to sneak out after school and buy these for me. We’d sit on the little stone steps, gobbling them down like two little thieves before heading home. But every single time, my brother would see right through me.”

Lumina couldn’t help but laugh at the memory, her gaze soft and full of warmth.

Watching her lost in such a sweet recollection, Cedric found the refusal stuck in his throat. Instead, he gave a subtle nod to the driver.

The car pulled over to the curb.

A glimmer of excitement lit up Lumina’s eyes. She looked at Cedric in surprise, then quickly hopped out, her heels clicking as she hurried down the narrow street.

The alley was crowded with teenagers, and the sudden appearance of a stunning, sophisticated woman made more than a few heads turn—especially among the boys, who couldn’t help but stare, sneaking glances at her long, slender legs as they ate their snacks.

Lumina paid them no mind. She was busy scanning the stalls, deciding what to get, when suddenly a shadow fell behind her. A man’s hand landed naturally on her shoulder, pulling her gently back into his arms.

If the boys were subtle in their admiration, the girls were far more direct when it came to handsome men.

A group of girls was already whispering, snapping photos of Cedric with their phones. “He’s so tall—must be at least six foot three. And just look at that face!”

“My teenage years deserved a guy like that,” one sighed dreamily.

“God, I can’t even imagine how bubbly I’d be if I ever dated someone like him!”

Lumina couldn’t help but smile, remembering how she’d once been just like them—watching from afar, too shy to approach, heart fluttering.

A few bolder girls edged closer, clutching their phones. “Excuse me, could we take a picture with you?” one of them asked Cedric.

Cedric frowned, about to refuse, but Lumina jumped in. “Of course! I’ll take it for you.”

After that little episode, they finally arrived at the Sterling family home.

Yadiel’s mother, Minka, was already waiting at the corner, apron on, looking out for them. She gazed at the luxurious car for a long moment, puzzled, until Lumina stepped out. Then her whole face lit up. She rushed over and pulled Lumina into a tight embrace. “Lumina, welcome home!”

Lumina sank into the hug, closing her eyes with happiness. “I’m home, Mom.”

To Lumina, Minka had always been a second mother.

“Oh, honey, you’ve lost so much weight,” Minka fussed, gently touching Lumina’s slender waist, her eyes full of concern. “Work’s been exhausting you, hasn’t it?”

“I’m okay! Not half as busy as Yadiel,” Lumina replied, grinning.

Cedric watched the warm scene from behind, the last traces of chill slowly fading from his gaze.