His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 115

Lumina pulled a face and chewed reluctantly on the dry, crumbly yolk. “Who was on the phone?” she asked offhandedly, “Someone calling you back to work?”

“It was about work.”

Cedric sampled a bite of ravioli, but his expression was unreadable. “You added a bit too much vinegar for me.”

Lumina had done it on purpose, of course. Feigning concern, she murmured, “Really? Here, have some water. Should I ask them to bring a fresh plate?”

“No, it’s fine.” Cedric ate a few more bites, then finally picked up his glass and drank some juice to wash it down.

Lumina watched the movement of his throat as he swallowed. Only then did the heavy stone in her heart begin to ease.

After they’d both had their fill, Cedric checked his watch and stifled a yawn. “It’s getting late. If we take our time heading back, we’ll probably catch the tail end of the party.”

“Okay.” Lumina followed him outside.

This time, he didn’t reach for her hand.

Lumina had no idea when the drug would kick in, but she knew for certain: she couldn’t go back yet.

There were too many people, too many eyes. If she slipped away in the chaos, there would be security cameras everywhere.

Suddenly, she grabbed the sleeve of his coat, lowering her voice. “While you were gone, I overheard someone at the next table saying the view by the park lake is beautiful at this hour. The moonlight hits the water just right. Why don’t we go for a walk by the lake before heading back?”

Cedric paused, glancing sidelong at her. “Is that so?”

“Yeah, come with me?” Lumina pleaded, wrapping her hand around his wrist and gently slipping her fingers between his. “Please?”

Cedric gave her an exasperated look, as if she’d worn him down. “Half an hour. No more.”

“Deal!”

Lumina didn’t actually know where the lake was. She had to ask directions from a few street vendors before she finally found it—down a winding path, canopied with trees, tucked away from the bustling world outside.

The spot was secluded, with barely anyone around. It felt like a world apart from the city beyond the woods—quiet, serene.

The moon hung full and white, scattering silvery light across the lake’s surface. The gentle breeze ruffled the water, breaking the reflection into a thousand shimmering fragments.

Lumina and Cedric found a place to sit. The bench was short—they had to squeeze together, shoulders pressed tight, just to fit.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” Lumina hadn’t expected the view to be quite so breathtaking. She turned to the man beside her.

“It’s beautiful,” he agreed with a faint nod, though his voice was weary, almost strained. “I don’t know why, but I suddenly feel so tired.”

“Mm,” Lumina replied, gripping his hand a little tighter. “You’ve been working all day, and we barely slept last night. It’s no wonder.”

Cedric rubbed his temples, a rough laugh in his throat. “You seem to have plenty of energy.”

He paused, then smiled wryly. “Maybe I really am getting old.”

“That nonsense I teased you with before—you actually took it to heart?” Lumina grinned, gently tracing her fingertips over the calluses on his palm.

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