His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 28

As soon as Minka finished checking on the dishes simmering on the stove, she rushed back out and scolded Yadiel lightly. “Honestly, you get less polite the older you get. How could you let a guest stand outside talking? Invite him in already!”

Yadiel just offered a faint smile and stepped aside, gesturing with a courteous hand. “Please, Mr. Royce.”

Cedric gave him a polite nod before stepping into the house.

Though their exchange was civil on the surface, there was an undercurrent of tension—politeness masking an unspoken rivalry.

Lumina watched from the side, barely daring to breathe. She reached behind and pinched Yadiel’s arm, quietly signaling him to ease up and not let his hostility show so blatantly.

Yadiel glanced at her, then at the two paper bags in her hands, and finally allowed himself a real smile. “Isn’t this the popcorn chicken we used to eat as kids?”

“Yeah, I picked up two bags on the way here—one for you.” Lumina handed him a bag.

Yadiel ruffled her hair fondly. “Some things never change. You’re still like a little kid. If my mom sees you, she’ll say you’re always snacking.”

As Cedric was changing his shoes, he caught sight of the two of them, heads close together, chatting quietly. For a moment, Lumina’s face lit up with a genuine, easy smile—a look he realized she’d never worn around him.

His expression darkened. Just as he turned away, a massive golden blur suddenly lunged at him!

Reacting quickly, Cedric stepped back and saw what it was—a huge golden retriever, its coat glossy and eyes bright as marbles, tongue lolling happily as it stared up at him.

Cedric glanced at the blue collar around its neck and let a smile slip.

“Roundy.”

The last time he’d seen the dog was when he’d just met Lumina. He’d chipped in to save it, spending a short while with the pup at the animal hospital.

Roundy wagged his tail, clearly having caught the scent of the popcorn chicken in Lumina’s hands. He circled her, tongue out, eyes pleading for a bite.

Cedric thanked Minka, settling onto the sofa with his coffee. The family chatted amongst themselves, and Cedric found himself with little to say, so he picked up a magazine from the coffee table and leafed through it idly.

Yadiel’s father, Fraser Sterling, was out for the evening, so it would just be the four of them for dinner.

Minka headed back to the kitchen to check on the food. Lumina started to get up to help, only to see Cedric put down the magazine and beat her to it. “Let me give you a hand.”

Lumina froze, eyes wide with disbelief.

He was always so unapproachable at work, as if the world owed him something. But today, he seemed almost humble—gentle, even.

Minka turned and was startled to find Cedric’s imposing frame looming in the kitchen doorway. She laughed and shooed him out. “No, no, you’re our guest! There’s no way I’m letting a guest cook.”