Chapter 226
Josiah was driving his car at a relaxed pace, especially as he passed the park. He pulled over and stopped the car. Lowering the window, he looked
outside, hoping to see Joyce
However, since Joyce had been in the hospital yesterday, it seemed unlikely. To his surprise, there she was Joyce was dressed in a warm outfit, sitting on a swing, while a slightly older boy gently pushed her. Josul opened the car door and stepped out.
The boy asked “Are you having fun?”
Jovor said. “Uh–huh!”
Would
d you like to go even higher!“.
“Yes, please!”
–
“Joyce.” Josiah walked over to her, grabbing the swing’s ropes. With her hat and mask covering most of her face, only her big eyes were visible. When she saw him, her face lit up with a smile.
“Josiah?” Joyce exclaimed, jumping down from the swing, which made Josiah quickly reach out to lift her into his arms.
“Josiah,” she snuggled against his shoulder, instinctively knowing. “Did you come to find me!
“Yes, I did.” Josiah raised an eyebrow, unable to hide a smile
“Is there something you need from me?”
“Yes” Grinning, Josiah took out a small jewelry box from his pocket, showing it to Joyce. “This is for you, Joyce. I need you to take a look and see if you like it.”
Joyce’s eyes sparkled with joy as she exclaimed, “Wow! It’s Minnie! It’s so beautiful she reached out with her gloved hands to grab it but hesitated. “What’s the matter!” Josiah raised his brow. “Don’t you like it?
“I do!” Joyce nodded eagerly, but a hint of uncertainty lingered. “But Mommy taught me not to take other people’s things.” Josiah thought about how attentive this little girl was, her mother had really taught her good values.
“Don’t worry.” He gently ruled Joyce’s hair. “We are friends; Minnie got a bit mischievous and ran away, so I caught two company
Josiah.” Joyce’s sparkling eyes seemed to glisten with dew, touched that he remembered her lost Minnie.
With open arms, she hugged him. Thank you, Josiah! I like your
of them to keep you
Her words warmed Josiah’s h heart. “Me too” He removed a hairpin from the box. “Would you like me to put it in your hair!”
“Yes, please!” She was excited to wear the two Minnies
“All set” Joyce, unable to see, gently touched her head. “Josiah, do I look pretty?”
“Absolutely” Josiah smiled. “You are the most beautiful little princess in the world!”
Giggling happily, Joyce beamed. “Thank you, Josiah!”
“No need to thank me While captivated by Joyce’s adorable look, Josh fell growing concern, he had known since their first meeting that her health was fragile but didn’t know her specific illness.
Given their joyful connection, perhaps he could help her. He started, Joyce…
Suddenly, the guardian, Tara, rushed over “Joyce! She quickly snatched Joyce from Josiah’s arms and offered a stiff smile to him. “Hello”
Hello
Joyce Tara pointed to the hairpin in Joyce’s hair. “Return them to Josiah, alright After watching the earlier exchange, she expected nothing more than a quick chat, so she was surprised Joyce accepted gifts.
“Please, not” Joyce held her little hands up to protect the hairpins. They were a gift from Josiah! I like them”
1/2
Chapter 226
“Don’t be naughty”
“It’s alright.” Josiah said with a smile to lighten the mood. “They were a gift for Joyce; they’re not valuable.”
“But
Before Tara could continue her scolding, Josiah waved goodbye to Joyce. Tmn heading off now; Bye.
Joyce said. “Goodbye, Josiah.”
Not far away, Sienna stood frozen in shock. Those Minnies were a gift from Josiah to Joyce! They know each other! Even more surprising. Joyce seems to like him! How did things get this far? What did I miss!‘
When Tara returned with Joyce, Sienna was already home. Tara mumbled, “Oh! Sienna’s shoes are here; she must be back! Oh no, she’s going to be angry!”
Sienna approached. “What’s going on? Why would I be angry?”
“Mommy!” Joyce’s big eyes sparkled as she ran into her mother’s arms. “You’re back!”
“Good girl” Sienna lifted her, helping her take off her heavy coat.
“Look, Tara pointed to Joyce’s head, unable to hide what had happened from Sienna, her employer. “Joyce has a new friend named Josiah, and he gave her two hairpins.”
“That’s the guy from the park,” she added, recalling her earlier mention
“Mommy!” Before Sienna could respond, Joyce pulled at her arm, shaking it. “Josiah is a good person
“A good person?” Tara scoffed, tilting her head at Joyce. Just because he gave you hairpins, he’s a good person? It’s just a pair of hairpins. They’re not worth anything!”
Shaking her head, Tara rolled up her sleeves and headed toward the kitchen. I’ll let your mother deal with you; I’m off to cook.”
Sienna stayed silent, focused on the hairpins in Joyce’s hair, her brow furrowed. They were no ordinary accessories; while Tara thought they were just rhinestones, each stone was actually a real diamond.
“Joyce” Sienna spoke, her tone serious. Tara’s right; it’s not okay to accept gifts like this. Take off those hairpins and return them to Josiah when you see him again”
Sienna felt overwhelmed, grappling with the sudden closeness between Joyce and Josiah and unsure how to manage it all. She felt a deep fear. “Come here.” Sienna reached out her hand to Joyce. “Mommy will help you take them off”
“No, no!” Joyce covered her head, looking at Sienna. “These were a gift from Josiah! I love them! I don’t want to take them off
“What?” Sienna was caught off guard; her daughter had always listened to her. This was Joyce’s first act of defiance, all because of Josiah, a father who had never taken responsibility.
Sienna’s face darkened “Joyce! I asked you to take off the hairpins; did
you hear me?”
Joyce trembled at her mother’s stern voice, tears welling in her eyes. “Mommy is being unreasonable!” She turned and ran to her room, declaring. “I won’t listen to you anymore!”
