Chapter 192

He turned and left. Sienna remained, dazed and bewildered after her outburst. He was gone, and she knew he wouldn't return. She wondered if being a shield was truly this difficult, having to witness Josiah and his sister-in-law's constant displays of affection. Gently placing her hand on her belly, she silently prayed for conception.

She couldn't bear to watch Josiah and Yvette flirt; not even a little.

Downstairs, Josiah's expression remained unchanged. Yvette noticed immediately, taking the clothes from his hand and smirking. "You kept me here, and she's angry?"

"No," Josiah shook his head, his chest feeling tight.

"Humph," Yvette sneered. "Don't lie to me. I can tell she's upset. But why? I knew you before she was even born."

Upstairs, she added, "Who does she think she is? She's not even your wife yet! Even if she were, she has no right to give me attitude." Josiah grew increasingly agitated with each word. "Yvette, it's late. You should rest," he said, turning to leave.

Yvette was taken aback. Is he tired of me? Or is he eager to comfort Sienna? She hugged the clothes tighter, staring at his retreating back, hatred simmering in her eyes. She whispered, "Sienna."

Sienna didn't expect Josiah's quick return. He didn't turn on the light, but simply pulled her into his embrace as he lay down beside her. Unable to resist, she asked, "Can you sleep in the other room?"

Sienna inhaled deeply, closing her eyes, and caught his scent – a mixture of perfume and disinfectant. Not only did he refuse to let go, but he held her tighter. "This is my bed. I should sleep here." Sienna sat up. "Just for tonight, please? I'm begging you."

"Sienna," Josiah turned on the bedside lamp, his features shadowed. "It's late. How long will you keep making a fuss?"

"I'm not making a fuss," Sienna breathed, speaking honestly. "You smell, and it's making me uncomfortable. I can't sleep."

"Smell? What smell?" Josiah tugged at his pajama collar and sniffed. "I don't smell anything." It was difficult to detect one's own scent. Sienna stared, speechless. Josiah remained silent, his gloomy expression betraying his bad mood. He felt she was deliberately picking a fight. After a moment's hesitation, he compromised.

He got out of bed. "I'll take a shower." As he headed to the bathroom, Sienna quickly grabbed her pillow and fled to the other room. If he wouldn't leave, she would. She wouldn't share a bed with him tonight.

"Sienna!" Hearing her footsteps, Josiah spun around, but it was too late. By the time he reached the door, Sienna had slammed it shut.

"Sienna!" Josiah turned the doorknob, but the door was locked.

"What's going on?" Yvette appeared, having heard the commotion. Seeing Josiah locked out, she understood immediately.

Yvette sneered sarcastically. "Has she always treated you like this?"

Josiah's face was grim, neither confirming nor denying. "We have some misunderstandings."

"Misunderstandings?" Yvette scoffed. "I think it's her one-sided misunderstanding. No, it's not a misunderstanding; it's slander."

"Yvette!" Josiah growled, frowning. "Don't talk about her like that. Sienna is not unreasonable. She has her reasons."

He had to admit Yvette held a special place in his heart, a sentiment incomprehensible to Sienna.

"Even though she treats you like this, you still speak for her?" Yvette was surprised, then a more complex, painful emotion welled up.

Yvette chuckled lightly. "You tolerate her so much. Have you… fallen in love with Sienna?"

Josiah was taken aback. Love? The word felt heavy, its meaning unclear. He wasn't sure if he was in love, and couldn't easily admit it.

He didn't answer directly. "Sienna is my girlfriend. Isn't it natural for me to tolerate her?"

Yvette thought, He actually said that? A mocking smile played on her lips. Had he forgotten she was once his wife? He's changed.

Suddenly, doubt and regret washed over Yvette. Should I not have encouraged Josiah and Sienna to be together to keep Howard?

Josiah slept poorly. He rose early, finding Yvette already awake.

"Josiah, you're up?" Yvette smiled from the kitchen. "Sit down, coffee's ready."

Josiah sat, and Yvette brought him coffee. "Have some coffee. I'm making pancakes. You like them, don't you? I haven't made them for you in a long time."

"Pancakes?" Josiah set down his coffee. "What time did you get up?" Pancakes weren't a quick breakfast.

"I couldn't sleep," Yvette said, her lips twisting. "I saw plenty of ingredients, so I made some."

"Yep," Josiah nodded. "Sienna lives here. It's not convenient if we don't cook at home." He usually ate out alone; this was for Sienna.

Yvette's smile faltered. She sighed softly. "You're really good to Sienna. Your brother has never considered me in these small matters." She and Howard had been together for years, and he always met her requests, but only when asked. He rarely took the initiative.

Seeing her sorrow, Josiah advised, "Don't think like that. Your situation is different. You manage the Flynn family!" She had economic power.

"No…" Yvette shook her head, her eyes brimming with tears. "A man's attention isn't just material things. It's a feeling. Do you understand? Sometimes, your brother doesn't even care for me as much as you do…"