His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 4

Her voice trembled as she quietly wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes, yet she managed a gentle smile. “This time, let me be the one to protect you.”

...-

The next morning.

As soon as Lumina stepped into the office, she noticed an unusual buzz in every department. She was never one to join the gossip, but after yesterday’s incident with the pregnancy test, she worried rumors might start swirling and eventually reach Cedric.

So, as she filled her mug with hot coffee, she tuned in to the conversation nearby.

“Good morning, Ms. Jardin!”

Her colleague Quinty approached, cradling a coffee and brimming with excitement. “Did you hear? That gorgeous secretary Mr. Royce took on his business trip is officially starting today!”

Lumina arched an eyebrow. “You saw her?”

Quinty nodded eagerly. “Saw her with my own eyes! She made quite an entrance this morning—arrived in Mr. Royce’s car, draped in his coat…”

She dropped her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, her face lighting up with glee. “People from other departments are saying they must’ve spent the night together!”

Lumina managed a faint smile, but her mind drifted and she didn’t notice the hot coffee overflowing from her mug.

“Oh! Ms. Jardin, careful!”

A sharp burn shot through her fingertips. Lumina hissed, glancing down to find a small blister forming.

“You okay?” Quinty quickly handed her a bandage. “Be more careful.”

Lumina murmured her thanks, then retreated to her office and closed the door, shutting out the noise from the hallway.

She watered the little plant by the window, then stared at her bandaged hand, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

Three years. Maybe it really was time to step aside.

Wasn’t she always longing for freedom? But now, faced with it, she realized her heart wasn’t as light as she’d imagined.

Lost in thought, she was startled by the “ding” of an incoming message.

It was from Jurgen Harding’s secretary, reminding her that their team would arrive at 10:30.

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