His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 30

Lumina thought back to the little bag of popcorn chicken she’d eaten earlier and mumbled, “I couldn’t help it, the smell was just too tempting. Besides, I didn’t even finish it. I only had a few pieces and gave the rest to Yadiel.”

Yadiel quickly chimed in, covering for her. “Yeah, honestly, it was me who was craving it. I asked Lumina to pick some up for me.”

Cedric’s expression grew colder. He set his wine glass down with a heavy thud, the sound echoing sharply off the table.

So that pleading, coaxing look she’d given him in the car—it had been for this. For Yadiel.

Minka shot her son an exasperated glare, her brow furrowing. “You too, Yadiel. The older you get, the more childish you become.”

Just like that, they’d managed to steer the conversation away from any awkwardness.

Midway through dinner, Roundy, who’d been napping on the floor, suddenly jumped up and started barking toward the door.

Heavier footsteps followed, paired with the sound of a man and woman talking in the hallway.

Minka glanced at the clock, put down her knife and fork, and stood up. She turned to Yadiel, “That’s probably your father. Judging by the racket, he’s probably drunk out of his mind again.”

“I’ll go check,” Yadiel said, rising as well.

Sure enough, when he opened the door, Fraser was there, swaying unsteadily, gripping the doorknob for support. His face was flushed, his eyes glazed with drink.

Even in his drunken stupor, Fraser recognized his son, clapping Yadiel on the shoulder. “Son! My good boy!”

Yadiel frowned, steadying him and helping him inside. “Dad, how much did you drink this time?”

Once Fraser was settled, Yadiel returned to the dining room.

Lumina looked at him, concern in her voice. “Is your dad alright?”

“He’s just drunk. Nothing to worry about.”

Yadiel bent down to straighten the scattered shoes by the door, then called out, “Ms. Tatum, we’re just having dinner. Would you like to join us?”

It was only then that Lumina realized there was a woman standing outside.

She couldn’t see the woman’s face, but a soft, gentle voice answered from the doorway. “Thank you, Dr. Yadiel, but I’ll pass. I need to get home and cook for my child.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the room was pierced by the sharp clink of Cedric’s cutlery hitting his plate.

When the door closed behind her, Yadiel returned to the table.

He caught Lumina’s curious glance and explained, “She’s the new driver my dad hired. She’s had a rough time. Her husband passed away young, and she’s raising a kid alone, working three jobs just to get by.”

Lumina nodded, but then they heard Fraser’s voice booming from the back room, followed by the sound of a glass shattering.

“Is everything alright?” she asked.

Yadiel just kept eating, unfazed. “He’s just drunk and acting out. He’s been under a lot of pressure at work lately.”

Dinner finished quickly after that.

Later, as Yadiel and Lumina washed dishes together in the kitchen, he said quietly, “If you ever plan to go abroad, I have friends overseas who could help you. I’ll send you their contacts on WhatsApp sometime.”

Lumina nodded. “Thanks.”

“If Cedric ever tries to hurt you or your babies, don’t be afraid. Stand up for yourself.” Yadiel took the plate from her hands, washing it slowly. “Remember, you’ve got me. I’ll always be on your side.”

Lumina murmured her thanks, warmth blooming quietly in her chest. She was grateful that, in her cold and unyielding life, there was still a ray of light—Yadiel—shining through.