Chapter 12

“What’s going on? Out of battery?” Josiah frowned, irritation creeping into his voice as he pushed his phone aside. “Forget it, I’m done.” He figured Sienna, as an adult, could find her way back if she couldn’t wait for him. It had been a long night, and he was exhausted. A shower and some rest were much needed.

Just as he was about to discard his phone, he hesitated, muttering, “Ugh, what a hassle!” After a moment, he dialed the Silver Beach landline, but no one answered, and the call ended.

“What the hell?” Josiah’s face fell. Could Sienna really not have gone home? It’s so late… Is she still out there waiting for me? What a fool! He tossed the phone aside and headed upstairs. But even as the hot water cascaded over him, Sienna’s well-being intruded on his thoughts.

It’s late, and she’s just a girl. Even though I don’t like her much, and she’s the one who broke my promise, he thought.

“What a hassle!” Josiah muttered, turning off the water. He quickly dried, dressed, grabbed his keys, and rushed downstairs. He called the nursing home from his car. He reached the nurse responsible for Miranda’s area. “This is Josiah. Can you check if a girl named Sienna is still here?”

“Sure, Mr. Flynn,” the nurse replied, and went to check. A moment later, she returned. “I’m sorry, but there’s no Sienna here. Just medical staff and support personnel.”

‘Not there? She has already left?’ Josiah thought, frustration evident in his voice as he replied, “Alright, thanks.”

He drove straight to Silver Beach. The place was dark, with no sign of Sienna. “Is she asleep?” He headed towards the servants’ quarters. As he tried to determine which room she might be in, he stopped—a light was on in the first-floor bathroom.

“Could it be Sienna?” he wondered and approached. The door was slightly ajar, offering a clear view inside. Sienna sat on a stool, removing her socks and examining her feet. She murmured with relief, “Thank goodness, no blisters.”

Years of hardship had toughened her skin. Two hours of walking were nothing to her. As she dipped her feet into the warm water, she yelped, “Ouch! That’s hot!”

Josiah frowned from the doorway. Sienna didn’t remove her feet. Instead, she hummed happily. “Mmm, it feels so nice.”

“Sienna Shaw!” Josiah bellowed, startling Sienna, making her whole body tremble. He stormed in, anger evident as he clenched his jaw. “Where have you been out so late? Didn’t I tell you to wait for—”

Sienna was stunned, momentarily bursting into laughter.

Josiah paused, then grew angrier. “Why are you laughing? If you’d just stayed put, I wouldn’t have had to search for you all night. And your phone was off, too.”

Sienna stopped laughing, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’re absolutely right. My fault. I shouldn’t have walked back alone. I should’ve waited those two hours. My apologies.”

“Are you blaming me?” Josiah shot back, his gaze cold. “Do you think you matter more than Yvette?” Yvette was Howard’s love, and Josiah felt responsible to Howard and the Flynn family. But this was his own business; Sienna was responsible for something else.

He sneered, “In this world, the person who should meet Yvette’s every need is you. Don’t forget you owe—”

Sienna interrupted, knowing he’d bring up something from four years ago. “I’m not blaming you, seriously. I’m calm. I don’t know why you think I’m complaining.” She paused, clenching her fist. “Sorry for wasting your time. It’s late; you should rest.”

Ignoring him, Sienna stood, intending to adjust the water temperature.

Josiah snorted. ‘Fine, no point arguing. At least she’s safe. What a waste of my energy!’

Just as he was about to leave, he stopped. “Wait—did she just say she walked back?” He turned, pointing at her feet. “Alright, you can drop the act now.”

Sienna stood, holding the basin, looking puzzled.

Josiah snorted, looking down with disdain. “You walked all the way back? Are you soaking your feet to prove it? Do you think I’d believe that?” He sneered silently. Walked back? From the nursing home to Silver Beach? That’s hours. Couldn’t wait for me or just grab a cab? It doesn’t add up.

‘Did she really think I’d fall for that? She’s underestimating me. She’s clearly trying to tug at my heartstrings. A desperate move. She clearly isn’t over me.’

“Sienna, your little game isn’t going to work on me. Just give it up,” Josiah shook his head, chuckling dismissively. He turned and walked away.

“What the heck?” Sienna stood frozen, a lump forming in her throat.

The next day, Sienna received a call from Henry. Her outfit was ready; she needed to try it on. She went to Maze. Henry took her to the stage. “Get familiar with it and prepare for your performance. It’s your first time on stage, and I have high hopes for you.”

“Okay, Mr. White,” Sienna said, rehearsing intently. She double-checked her dance style and music, determined to ensure everything was flawless.

By nightfall, she finished. She didn’t return to Silver Beach; Miranda suggested she visit Howard. With a packed schedule tomorrow, tonight was her only chance. She even bought a bouquet of yellow calla lilies, symbolizing respect and admiration.

She wanted to visit Howard herself, something she hadn’t done before, fearing the Flynns’ disapproval. They, even Miranda, saw her as a “sinner.”

When Sienna joined the Flynn family, Howard was healthy. Unlike Josiah, Howard was mild-mannered, reminiscent of refined scholars in novels. Older than Josiah, he acted as an older brother to Sienna. He treated her kindly; she felt he couldn't have been a better brother.

At the hospital, she found Howard’s inpatient area. But he wasn’t there. She called Miranda. “Has Howard been moved?”

“Oh?” Miranda was curious. “Did you go alone? Not with Josiah?”

“I can’t find him anywhere.”

“He’s…” Remembering Miranda’s upcoming surgery, Sienna kept her promise. “He’s got a lot on his plate, so I’m handling this alone.”

Miranda sighed. “Alright, then. Howard hasn’t switched hospitals. They just built a new wing, behind the old one.”

Howard had been moved to the VIP building. “Got it,” Sienna said, ending the call and heading there.

As Sienna opened the door, the antiseptic smell hit her. She walked to the bedside and looked at the sleeping Howard, her emotions welling up. She gently took his hand. Tears welled up as she whispered, “Howard, it’s me, Sienna. I’ve come to see you.”