Chapter 298
Sienna’s back stiffened as she turned around. “Clever.”
Josiah frowned. With a faint smile, Sienna said coldly, “Yet, I have not decrived you; I have long
long since told you that I
at I don’t like
you,”
From the beginning, Josiah insisted on being with her, even after she had made it clear to both him and Miranda that she didn’t want that. Sienna let out a cold laugh. “Are you here to blame me?”
“Sienna” Josiah’s expression changed. “That was not my intention!” He furrowed his brow deeper, his voice low and heavy. “I know about your ectopic pregnancy…
Sienna’s connection with him had always been for Joyce’s sake. And Josiah had known for a long time that Joyce su
suffered from aplastic anemia. Now, it hit him. Sienna only wanted another child with him to help save Joyce.
So, it was impossible for Sienna to get an abortion. That’s why Josiah had asked Zach to look into it. He realized he had completely misjudged Sienna and stared at her in confusion. “Why didn’t you say this before?”
She was supposed to want to keep him for Joyce’s sake. Sienna let out a deep breath, her smile sad. “You’ve done your research; did you miss the detail! After ectopic surgery, conceiving within six months is not recommended.”
This wasn’t just about the risks to her health. The short time frame also increased the chances of another ectopic pregnancy, along with potential issues with fetal development and miscarriage
Josiah finally understood. All along. Sienna’s motives were purely for Joyce. She never wanted to waste her time with him over these past six months. Sienna feh nothing for him.
A trace of mockery flickered in her eyes. Josiah realized he had no right to ask for Sienna’s feelings, considering the way he had treated her.
He finally realized why the once devoted Sienna had remained emotionally distant from him, despite his attempts.
Is everything clear now? Then I shall take my leave.” Sienna walked inside.
“Sienna!” Josiah called, rushing to catch up and pulling her into an embrace from behind, his arms wrapping around her waist.
“What are you doing?”
Josiah buried his face in her neck, his voice low and tender, full of regret. Im so sorry. I know saying sorry means little, but truly, Sienna, I am so sorry… Even though an apology couldn’t change anything, he still wanted to apologize.
Sienna closed her eyes, feeling Josiah tremble in his embrace as if he really felt remorse. “Hmm. After a long pause, Sienna replied softly, saying nothing more. She gently pushed Josiah away and left.
Josiah stood there, lost as he stared at her silhouette until she disappeared from view. A wave of panic washed over him. Josiah rushed back to his car, in search of cigarettes.
Then, on a whim, he found a pack of gum, tearing off a piece and popping it in his mouth, followed by another, and another… He stuffed an entire pack of gum into his mouth.
Josiah puffed his cheeks, his eyes filled with tears. Though it tasted sweet, he felt so bitter. He thought, ‘Sienna, I’m sorry… Joyce, I’m sorry…
Late at night, Josiah stepped out of the bathroom, turned on the TV, and found a documentary about pregnancy and childbirth. “From the moment a woman becomes pregnant, her body goes through many changes…”
The room was dimly lit by the flickering screen, casting a soft glow on Josiah’s face. He watched intently, murmuring, “So, pregnancy is this painful..”
The pregnant women in the documentary, even with their husbands and families beside them, seemed to be facing a life–or–death situation. He raised his hand to cover his eyes and thought, And what about Sienna back then? She was only twenty!
How did she endure those long ten months alone in Fliraty… and then manage to raise Joyce all by herself for three years! She gave birth to Joyce when she was still barely an adult herself!!
It was hard to believe that a fragile girl with an even smaller, frail child. The true loss of Sienna’s love couldn’t be blamed on those four years, but 1/2
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Chapter 298
rather on Josiah’s own cruel determination.
Josiah suddenly grabbed the glass from the table, and threw it violently to the floor. Instantly, the glass shattered into countless pieces, Josiah closed his eyes, overwhelmed with pain. He realized Sienna would never forgive him.
Meanwhile, Joyce had long since fallen asleep, while Sienna lay awake, unable to sleep. Her hands were tightly clasped over her heart. Looking on the brighter side, she no longer had to pretend before Josiah
From Josiah’s actions, it was clear that he wouldn’t stay inactive about Joyce’s situation. However, deeper problems were still to come. Joyce was Josiah’s daughter, and once that connection was made, their bond would be hard to break.
With her eyes shut, she remembered that year when she cradled joyce and was thrown out of the hospital. She had no money, was starving, and didn’t have milk; she was forced to steal. To her, Josiah was not worthy of forgiveness forever.
The next afternoon, Sienna returned from the park with Joyce, and around the same time as yesterday, she got a message from Josiah. [I’m waiting for you downstairs.]
Sienna put her phone away, put on her jacket, and stepped outside. “Sienna, over here.” Josiah waved to her by the car door. With no other choice. they headed back to the same dessert shop as before.
“What can I get you”
“Lemon tex”
“Okay.”
Compared to yesterday, Sienna seemed calmer, Josiah returned with their drinks. Here’s your lemon tea.”
“Thank you” Sienna took it and sipped twice.
There were topics that didn’t need explaining between them. At that moment, their ability to sit peacefully together was solely because of their shared concern for Joyce
“Sienna.” Josiah’s eyes focused on her, his voice low and gentle. “I’m in touch with doctors about Joyce, trying to find a more experienced and reliable physician for her”
His words brought tears to Sienna’s eyes. Joyce was her vulnerability.
Josiah took her hand. “Aplastic anemia isn’t always a dead end; there are cases of complete recovery: Joyce will surely be fine. What I failed to give her at birth, I promise to make up for.”
