His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 46

Cedric gave a quiet “Mm” and set aside any thought of returning the call. He slipped his phone into his pocket and handed over a gold card.

“I’ll take this one. Please wrap it up.”

“Of course, sir.” The sales associate’s face lit up. Every time Mr. Royce visited, her monthly commission was practically guaranteed.

...

The hospital was crowded, but thanks to Yadiel’s arrangements, Tiana was able to get a private room.

After all the tests were done, the doctor finally gave Lumina some peace of mind.

Her mother had only hit her head and needed a few stitches, but thankfully, there was no brain injury or sign of a concussion. With a few days of rest, she’d be ready to go home.

Lumina let out a sigh of relief, collapsing back into her chair.

Yadiel poured her a glass of water and held it out to her. “She’ll be fine. Why don’t you head home for a bit? If you’re still here when your dad arrives, you know how emotional he gets.”

Lumina took a sip, her fingers trembling slightly around the glass. She let out a long sigh. “Six years… and only now do I find out I have a sister.”

She gazed at the sleeping woman on the bed. After all these years apart, Tiana looked so much older. Time had carved deep lines into her face, and even in sleep, her brows were furrowed with a sorrow that seemed inescapable.

Yadiel’s hand tightened gently on Lumina’s shoulder. “How did you find out?”

Lumina didn’t answer. She just lowered her head. “Really, you all didn’t have to keep it from me. The Jardin family disowned me, and I used to worry whether, without anything left to live for, they’d follow my brother to the grave. Now they have a new child, and honestly… it’s a relief.”

She rested her hand over her stomach, a hint of warmth softening her features. “Besides, I have my own babies now—a family of my own, Yadiel. I promise, I’m not as fragile as everyone thinks.”

There was something peaceful and kind in her eyes, as if she’d finally made peace with the world.

Yadiel felt a tangle of emotions in his chest. He knew she meant every word, but it was clear—life had dealt Lumina more pain than anyone deserved.

And through it all, she bore the loss of her brother and family alone, still managing to offer her biggest, bravest smile to the world.

With a gentle sigh, Yadiel reached out and ruffled her hair. “Did you forget? I’m family too, you know.”

“Don’t get all sentimental on me, Dr. Yadiel.” Lumina let out a small laugh, bracing herself against the table as she stood.

She dug through her purse and pulled out a card, sliding it quietly beneath her mother’s pillow. Her fingers lingered, tracing from the edge of the pillow to Tiana’s cheek. She gently smoothed the wrinkles one by one, her gaze suddenly turning soft and tender.

Without another word, the two slipped out of the room. Only after they were gone did the woman on the bed slowly open her eyes.

As they headed toward the parking garage, Yadiel explained, his tone calm and measured, “One day, outside the Banyan Media Group, Winona’s water suddenly broke and she collapsed on the sidewalk. Your brother just happened to be passing by and rushed to help her. After that, well, he fell for her.”

“But Winona wasn’t interested at first. She told him she was a single mom and warned him not to get any ideas or waste his time.”

“But you know how stubborn your brother was. Once he made up his mind, nothing could sway him. He did everything he could to win her over, he even paid all her medical bills. Eventually, Winona was moved by his persistence, and they got together.”

“He kept it a secret from everyone in the family, even you. He was afraid you’d judge her for having a child.”

Yadiel sighed. “That’s how deeply he cared.”

Lumina fell silent, her hands balling into fists as she stood in the biting wind. The cold seemed to seep right through her bones.

It was clear now. She’d been wrong to lash out at Winona.

Whatever her past, as long as she and her brother had truly loved each other, that was enough.

When they reached the car, Yadiel opened the door for her. “What made you ask about Winona all of a sudden?”

“She’s Cedric’s driver now.” Lumina slid into the car, finally feeling a bit of warmth return to her limbs. “I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something strange about the way they interact.”