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Chapter 8
Sienna hurried back to Silver Beach but didn’t see Josiali. So, she figured she’d head to the bathroom first. But just as she opened the door, there he was–shirtless.
“Sienna Shaw!” Josiah’s face darkened as he pulled on his shirt, voice low and tense.
“Sorry!” Sienna quickly shut the door, her heart pounding. How was I supposed to know he was the bathroom on the first floor anyway?”
in there? And why’s he using
Inside the room, Josiah’s face was thunderous, and he quickly locked over his shoulder. She didn’t see anything, did she? Before long, Josiah emerged, now fully dressed. He pointed at a large box on the coffee table and said, “Co change into this.” Sienna figured there had to be a dress inside. The Flynn family was hosting this event for her, and they weren’t the type to do things by halves. “Alright,” she nodded, picking up the box
A few moments later, Sienna stepped out wearing an almond–colored off–shoulder evening dress that flowed down to the floor. She had done a quick base makeup routine, lightly defined her eyebrows, and added some lipstick for the occasion. Luckily, even though she was broke, for her job, she had some basic makeup supplies. Even with just a few light touches, her naturally striking features really shone through.
Josiah Jooked at her, narrowing his eyes instinctively. She was tall with tender skin, her long hair pulled back to reveal her delicate swan–like neck. She was breathtaking–beyond words.
For a moment, Josiah was taken aback. She had been cute, but now, in her early twenties, she had blossomed. She had swapped her girlish innocence for the charm of a sophisticated woman.
Josiah studied her and asked, “Did you see anything just now?”
“See what?” Sienna replied, genuinely confused–what was there to see?
It looked like she really didn’t notice his back. Josiah turned and started walking. “Keep up.”
The welcome party was held at South Jeiacrity Nursing Home. Since Miranda wasn’t well enough to travel, so having the gathering there was the most convenient option.
Luckily, she had a private room with a little patch of grass outside, which made it just right for a cozy family reunion.
The driver headed straight for the nursing home with Josiah and Sienna in the back. Sienna sat in silence, lost in her thoughts as she looked out the window.
Josiah was next to her, feeling a bit restless with the heavy silence. He remembered how Sienna had been around him, chattering non–stop. She always had so much to say, and it used to drive him nuts.
“Why so quiet all of a sudden? Is this some new tactic? Anyway, she’s already signed the divorce agreement, and whatever games she might play, the divorce is a done deal, he mused to himself.
When they arrived, Josiah led Sienna to see Miranda first. Unfortunately, the doctor was here to do Miranda’s routine therapy session.
Miranda took Sienna’s hand. “The therapy will take about half an hour. Why don’t you catch up with everyone? It’s been
years.
“Alright,” Sienna replied with a warm smile.
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22:19 Sat, Jan 4
Chapter 8
Still, Miranda felt uneasy. She glanced at Josials and told him, “Say with Sienna and keep an eye on her.”
“Grandma,” Josiah frowned, not pleased with the idea.
“What’s going on?” Miranda’s face grew serious. “I listened to you back then, so why can’t you do the same for me?”
Four years ago, when Sienna was sent away, Miranda had heeded Josiah’s wish not to keep Sienna around.
Josiah didn’t have a comeback. As much as he wished things were different, he could only nod and say, “Alright.”
“Great” Miranda sighed with relief, giving Sienna a reassuring pat on the hand. “Go ahead and follow Josiah. If you have any questions, just ask him?
“Okay,” Sienna nodded, just as she had been doing since she arrived.
Sienna trailed closely behind Josiah as they left the room and walked through the living room into the courtyard. She noticed many eyes on them and the whispers floating in the air
“Hey, who’s that with Mr. Flynn?”
“Is that Yvette?”
“Doesn’t look like her. Yvette isn’t that tall”
Can’t she wear high heels?”
Sienna couldn’t help but smile to herself. She knew Yvette and Josiah were close, but mistaking her for Yvette was a stretch- they didn’t look alike at all.
“Hello?” Josiah stopped to answer a call. “About the Donciral issue here’s the deal…”
It sounded like business, something Sienna didn’t really understand or care about, so she just stood there quietly.
Suddenly, Josiah hurried ahead. Sienna tried to keep up, but he earned around with a frustrated look. “I have things to deal with. Stop following me,” he said and walked off briskly.
Sienna stood there, a little dazed yet unfazed–it was usual for him to leave her behind. But for a moment, she was at a loss about what to do next.
She placed a hand on her stomach and rubbed it. She’d only had two slices of bread all day and was feeling a bit peckish now. So, she figured she’d go get something to eat
Sienna wandered over to the buffet area, picked up a plate, and started filling it with food. It all looked delicious, and she hadn’t tasted anything like this in four years.
Suddenly, someone gently tapped her on the shoulder. “Yvette!
Sienna paused and turned to find Keyla Gibson, the daughter of the well–known Gibson family, someone who had been pretty keen on chasing after Josiah back in the day.
Back then, people used to say that if it weren’t for Sienna, Keyla could have been the one to marry Josiah. So, Sienna and Keyla had been preuy much rivals.
“Hold on, you’re not Yvette. You… Keyla squinted, scrutinizing Sienna closely. Then, her expression shifted from confusion to realization. “Are you Sienna?”
Keyla’s friends were all taken aback, and instantly, they turned to look.
22:19 Sat, Jan 4 GAU
Chapter 8
“What? Sienna?”
“She was back?”
“Huh? Today’s party is thrown by Miranda for Sienna. How did you miss that?”
“I had no idea! I just heard about a party and decided to stop by Oh my! I can’t believe Sienna is actually back.”
The girls paused and exchanged disdainful looks.
“If I had known, I wouldn’t have come. Being here for her return is just disgusting”
“Oh no! Sienna is back, and Jeiacrity is not going to be peaceful anymore.”
Sienna ignored their chatter and focused on grabbing food. This chance was rare, and she was determined to make the most of it.
She picked up the tongs and reached for a tray of brownies, snatching one. Just then, another pair of tongs moved in, and she looked up to see it was Keyla.
“Oops.” Keyla pulled back quickly, feigning a nervous smile. “You take it. I’m not really hungry anyway.”
‘Humph, like she’s really giving it to me out of kindness. Same old fake act, Sienna sneered inwardly. If it had been the past, she would’ve jumped at the chance to make a scene. But now…
“Thanks,” she replied with a faint smile, placed the brownie on her plate, and then walked away.
Whispers trailed behind her.
“What’s going on? She didn’t argue with you
“She’s different now.”
‘Different? Come on, a leopard can’t change its spots,” Keyla scoffed, rolling her eyes. She gave Sienna’s dress a scornful once–over, a smirk playing on her lips. Just wait and see. This is going to be fun to watch.”
Just then, Yvette made her appearance. She was sporting a flowy, almond–colored off–shoulder gown that grazed the floor. She was strolling arm–in–arm with Josiah, her face aglow with a brilliant smile.
SEND GIFT
