Chapter 219

After a moment of silence, Howard sighed. "Of course, I do. Alright, let's get married."

Yvette was momentarily shocked; then tears welled up. Howard moved closer, took her hand, and gently said, "Please don't cry... I have no one but you."

"Is that true?" Yvette asked.

"Absolutely."

Miranda clapped her hands. "Wonderful! We're going to have a joyful wedding!"

Josiah, equally thrilled, could barely contain his happiness upon returning to Silver Beach. Sienna, however, looked at him, confused. "Why are you so happy about their marriage?"

"Why wouldn't I be?" Josiah replied. "My brother and Yvette have been friends since childhood; they've always promised to be together."

Sienna pondered. What about you? You seem to have feelings for Yvette. Wouldn't you feel a bit jealous? Can you really love her so selflessly that her happiness alone brings you joy?

Josiah, realizing her thoughts, playfully tapped her forehead. "Are you overthinking again? I've told you many times—my relationship with Yvette is purely platonic, yet you refuse to believe it."

Sienna remained unconvinced, her intuition whispering that this marriage might not last. The events surrounding Yvette's miscarriage four years prior and Howard's questionable past hung heavily in the air.

Despite Sienna's concerns, Howard and Yvette's engagement was firm. As the eldest grandson, Howard was expected to remain at the Flynn residence after the wedding, requiring only a room reorganization.

Miranda insisted the wedding reflect Yvette's preferences entirely, prioritizing the bride's happiness above all else. Sienna was surprised to learn Yvette was soliciting wedding gown designs online. The Flynn family could easily afford a top designer, or even secure sponsorships; yet, Yvette chose to invite public submissions.

Even before concrete wedding plans were finalized, news of the upcoming nuptials created a sensation in Jeiacrity. Sienna suspected this was Yvette's way of provoking someone—likely a suspected rival.

At noon, Sienna lunched with Rosie, who had also heard the wedding news. "Howard is going to marry her?" Rosie scoffed, her history with Yvette evident.

"That's right. They simply fell for each other," Sienna confirmed.

Rosie curled her lips. "An odd match made in heaven, I guess."

Sienna laughed. "Everyone has their own tastes, I suppose."

"Exactly," Rosie whispered. "You know, I also entered that gown design competition."

"You entered the gown design competition?" Sienna exclaimed, surprised.

Rosie nodded, amused. "You haven't forgotten what I do for a living, have you?" Rosie, a fashion design student, was still relatively unknown.

Sienna voiced her concern. "Aren't you worried Yvette might come after you?"

"Sure, but I don't care; I want to give it a shot," Rosie pouted. "It's a great chance! What if they actually like my design? I could become famous overnight!"

"That's true," Sienna conceded. "In the end, it's about the quality of the work. Even if she does turn against you, you won't lose much."

"Exactly," Rosie beamed. "You can't deny Yvette is lucky. The Flynn family is at the top in Jeiacrity! And Howard… he's pretty handsome."

"Hmm! You've met him?" Sienna asked, intrigued.

"Of course," Rosie reminded her. "Remember when you and Josiah had that fight? Howard came to Sunshine Neighborhood; he even drove me home." She added, thoughtfully, "He is strikingly charming!"

Sienna made another trip to the hospital for fertility medication, arranged through Hannah's connections. Feeling disheartened after a previous unsuccessful attempt, she told the doctor, "I followed your advice, but I still didn't get pregnant."

"Stay calm," the doctor advised. "Pregnancy often takes time. Taking the medication doesn't guarantee conception."

Sienna understood but remained anxious. "Do you want another prescription?" the doctor asked.

"Yes."

Unaware of Sienna's underlying reasons, the doctor said kindly, "You're still young; there's no need to put so much pressure on yourself. This medication shouldn't be taken continuously; overuse can have bad effects on your health." Hannah had mentioned this as well, but Sienna felt pressured. "I see; thank you for your concern."

The doctor, seeing her resolve, handed her the prescription. "If you feel nauseous or dizzy, be sure to rest."

"Alright."

That evening, Josiah's return to Silver Beach was met with Sienna's enthusiastic embrace. "You're back." Josiah took this as a clear sign. He held her waist, lifted her chin, and leaned in to kiss her, pausing to ask, "Are you okay? Is this alright?"

"Mm." She nodded.

They went upstairs. Sienna was unusually passionate. Josiah held her close, delight evident. "What's gotten into you today?"

"What do you mean?" Sienna feigned ignorance.

Josiah nestled into her neck, chuckling softly. "After all this time, you must be missing me, right?"

Sienna remained silent, eyes closed.

"I know without you saying anything," Josiah murmured, holding her tightly. "Sienna, you've started to like me, haven't you?"

Sienna was unsure how he'd reached that conclusion. "I'm so happy," Josiah added, his thoughts continuing, "Isn't it said that men and women are different? A woman who doesn't like a man wouldn't take the initiative in intimacy!" He chuckled. "You almost swallowed me just now."

Sienna, unaware of his interpretation, thought women can be forward for reasons other than love. For instance, the longing for a child.

In the bathroom, Sienna again took the lead, prompting Josiah to think, And she still denies her feelings for me?

The next morning, at breakfast, Sienna peeled an egg, removed the yolk, and offered it to Josiah, who instinctively accepted it—Sienna didn't eat the yolk herself. After he swallowed, he asked, "So, we're not working this weekend, right?"

Sienna nodded, confirming the dance troupe's weekend off.

"Let's plan a date, then," Josiah said.