Chapter 16

The moment Josiah's lips met Sienna's, he was taken aback—her lips felt incredibly soft. But in less than a second, Sienna panicked. She pushed him away, screaming, "Let me go! What are you doing? Get off me!"

"Sienna Shaw!" Josiah huffed, frustrated. "Do you think I wanted to hold you? I was just trying to be nice. I didn't kiss you; I lost my balance."

Sienna kept screaming, "Get away from me!"

"Stop shouting," Josiah said, releasing her. He then noticed the scrapes on her arms. They were raw and bleeding. Instinctively, he grabbed her arm. "You're hurt? Why didn't you say anything at the station?"

As soon as their skin touched again, Sienna seemed to lose control. She held her head and shouted, "I told you to let go! Get lost!"

Josiah's eyes widened in shock. He quickly pulled his hand back. "I'm letting go. Stop shouting! Jeez, what an ungrateful woman," he muttered.

Sienna just shook her head, eyes closed, as if she didn't hear him. Helpless, Josiah banged his fist on the car and yelled, "Calm down, Sienna! Open your eyes!"

Startled, Sienna slowly opened her eyes. Once she confirmed Josiah wasn't approaching, she began to relax. Holding her bag tightly, she whispered, "Take two steps back." She then got out of the car and jogged away.

Watching her go, Josiah let out a sarcastic laugh. "Seriously? What does she think I'm going to do?" he muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes as he strode after her. Stepping into the living room, he called, "Sienna."

Sienna stopped but didn't turn around. "What do you want?"

Josiah laughed coldly. "You didn't think I was going to do something to you just now, did you?"

Sienna remained silent, looking down. Josiah took her silence as agreement. "You're really something. Four years ago, I…" He paused. "And how you think I am? Acting like I wasn't interested in you…"

Sienna turned abruptly, meeting his gaze. "I know my place. To you, I'm not even as valuable as a pet. No need to say more—I get it."

"Not even as valuable as a pet? Did I ever say that?" Josiah was taken aback, but he recovered quickly. "I'm glad you get it. At least a pet knows how to behave. Having you around is just a mess."

Sienna nodded impassively. "Is that all? Can I go to bed now?"

Josiah was surprised. "I spoke to her like that, and she didn't even argue or get angry?" he mused, waving his hand dismissively. "Alright, whatever."

But as Sienna turned to leave, something struck him. "Hold on," he called out.

"What now?" Sienna frowned, turning back, her annoyance evident.

"I'm not bothered—you seem to be, huh?" Josiah chuckled angrily. "Which room are you staying in?"

Sienna paused, silent. Josiah narrowed his eyes. "I checked, and the servants' room beds aren't even made. Where have you been sleeping these last few days?"

Sienna was shocked but shrugged. It was his house, after all. She pointed to the couch. "I've been sleeping there."

"What? The couch?" Josiah looked stunned.

Before he could continue, Sienna said, "Don't worry, I didn't make the couch dirty or leave any weird smells. If it bothers you, cover the cleaning fee."

Josiah was speechless. "Is that it?" Sienna asked, eager to end the conversation. "I'm beat—I just wanna grab a shower and crash." She hurried inside.

Josiah frowned and followed her. He watched as she grabbed clothes and a toiletry bag before disappearing into the bathroom. His frown deepened. He stepped closer. "Is this how you've been living for the past few days?"

"Yeah," Sienna nodded, clutching her clothes.

Josiah's eyes widened. "What are you doing? You have a perfectly good room, but you'd rather make yourself miserable? Are you out of your mind?"

Sienna kept her head down. "Can I take a shower now?"

A thought struck Josiah. He smirked. "Are you trying to play the pity card with me? Do you think that will soften me up? Sienna, haven't you given up yet?"

Sienna, still unsure, asked, "You think I'm playing the sympathy card to save our marriage?"

"What else could it be?" Josiah sneered. "If you weren't after something, why would you, a spoiled princess from the Flynn family, put up with all this?"

"Spoiled?" Sienna smirked. "Chill out, I've already signed the divorce agreement. I won't be bothering you anymore."

"You better not," Josiah said, giving her a hard look. Then he laughed softly. "Here's a piece of advice. Don't try any funny business. Our marriage is definitely over." He turned and headed upstairs.

Sienna stayed silent, a soft, mocking laugh escaping her lips. She knew she needed to find a new place quickly—it was time to move out.

Upstairs, Josiah emerged from the shower, towel-drying his hair when he paused. He touched his lips, feeling the softness of Sienna's kiss lingering. A thought struck him. He opened the first-aid kit, grabbed ointment, and headed downstairs.

Sienna sat on the sofa, staring at her phone's banking app. She felt helpless.

"Sienna," Josiah called.

Sienna quickly put away her phone. "What's wrong? Is the sofa not okay to sleep on?"

"If you like punishing yourself, no one's stopping you," Josiah scoffed. He placed the ointment on the coffee table, pointing at her arm. "For the scrape."

"Wait, what?" Sienna was taken aback. He actually brought her medicine?

Josiah narrowed his eyes. "Even though you keep causing drama, a wrong is still a wrong. You got hurt tonight because of me. This ointment… consider it my apology."

He left without another word. Sienna looked at the ointment, feeling a chill. "What a gentleman, huh?" she muttered sarcastically, her fists clenched. She rolled over and tried to sleep. She didn't touch the ointment.

Early the next morning, Josiah headed downstairs, but Sienna was gone. It didn't hit him until he saw the empty couch in the living room.