Chapter 181

“What kind of fate is this?” Josiah mused. For a moment, he felt a strong urge to buy Joyer. However, Zach pulled him back just as he took a step, and the elevator doors closed before him. “We’re going up!”

Josiah snapped back to reality. “Yeah, where was I going? I came to find Sienna, but I got distracted by a kid…”

Soon, they reached the ninth floor. Two units occupied this floor; one was empty, and the other housed Sienna.

Rose sat on the bed's edge, leaning down slightly. She applied a fever patch to Sienna's forehead. “Are you sure you don’t want any medicine?”

“No need,” Sienna replied, sipping water and shaking her head. “I’m feeling much better.”

She’d caught a mild cold and had a slight fever, but she avoided medication. She wasn’t sure if she might be pregnant and wanted to take no chances.

“That’s good,” Rose said, picking up the now-warm ice pack. “I’ll get you another one. Do you want something to eat? Tara made some oatmeal with side dishes.”

Sienna nodded. “Sure.”

As Rose reached the kitchen, the doorbell rang. “Who could it be? I’m coming.” She opened the door and froze, swallowing hard. “M-Mr. Flynn?” Josiah smirked coldly—her reaction was telling. Ignoring her, he strode into the master bedroom. “Sienna.”

Sienna startled, instinctively pulling the blanket around her. He’d found her!

Rose hurried over, standing before the bed, arms outstretched. “Mr. Flynn, please leave. Sienna doesn’t want to see you.”

“Oh?” Josiah raised an eyebrow, laughing mockingly. “Do you think you can stop me?” Then, an idea struck him. “That’s right, I shouldn’t underestimate you. You know everything but keep it to yourself.” He waved impatiently. “Step aside.”

“No,” Rose insisted, her small face paling with fear. She wouldn’t move. Friends supported each other, even if she didn't fully understand the situation.

Josiah chuckled, his patience thinning. He wasn’t here to waste time. He grabbed Rose’s wrists. “Sorry, but if you won’t step aside, I might have to be a little forceful.” He quickly pulled her aside, pushing her into Howard, who was wheeling a wheelchair into the room. “Watch out!” Howard quickly raised his hand to steady her.

Rose, shaken and blushing crimson, had almost fallen into Howard's lap. A wheelchair user? Is he disabled? Did he lose his legs? she thought in panic.

She jumped up, apologizing profusely. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean it.” Howard held her until she was steady. “If I let go now, you won’t fall, will you?”

“No way,” Rosie replied, shaking her head. “I’m—I’m fine.”

“Okay,” Howard nodded, releasing her. His gaze lingered on Rose, but he remained silent.

In the room, Josiah sat on the bed’s edge. “Sienna.”

Sienna turned away, eyes closed, ignoring him.

Josiah wasn't surprised. From his vantage point, he saw her damp, trembling eyelashes. He glanced at the table cluttered with fever patches, an ice pack, antiseptic, and bandages. Frustration welled up inside him.

He leaned down, his voice muffled. “I’m sorry. I’m such a fool. I’ve made you suffer.”

Sienna, still facing away, remembered his actions and felt a surge of anger. “Get off! Let me go!” she shouted, struggling.

“Sienna,” Josiah said, grasping her hand. “I know you’re angry. Just hit me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make you feel better.”

“Really? Do you think I won’t dare?” Sienna gritted her teeth, glaring. She raised her hand, then instead of hitting him, she kicked him.

Josiah grunted, bending over, clutching his stomach. “Sienna, it’s okay if you hit me, but don’t kick me randomly,” he said, his voice strained.

Seeing his pale face, Sienna wondered if she’d hit a sensitive spot. She didn’t feel sorry for him, but he was still… useful. Why do I have to be so careful, even with my anger towards him? she thought.

Tears welled up. “Why did you have to come here? Can’t you just give me a moment of peace? I don’t want to see you!”

She wasn’t with him out of love; she wanted a child and to keep her distance. But he wouldn’t allow it, bullying her relentlessly.

Sienna grabbed his collar, her body shaking. “Why is it so hard to avoid you now?”

When I was struggling in Filary with Joyce, why didn’t he come looking for us? she thought. Finding someone was so easy for him, yet he’d abandoned her for four years.

Hate flared in Sienna’s eyes. “You jerk!” she shouted.

“Yeah, I’m a jerk,” Josiah admitted, closing his eyes. “Please don’t cry. It’s all my fault. I won’t ever dare to do it again.”

Sienna was taken aback. The proud, arrogant Mr. Flynn had lowered his head.

Just then, Howard called from the doorway. “Sienna.”

Through her tears, Sienna looked up. “Howard.”

Howard approached, offering a handkerchief. “Wipe away those tears; your eyes are swollen.”

“Thanks,” Sienna whispered, dabbing her eyes.

Howard gently touched her hair, patting it softly, just as he used to years ago. “There, there, Sienna. Be a good girl and stop crying.”

Chapter 182