Chapter 234

Tara hesitated, then spoke, her voice trembling slightly. "Aplastic anemia."

Josiah's heart sank. He'd suspected Joyce was gravely ill, but confirmation was overwhelming. Looking down at the frail girl in his arms, he struggled to breathe. She was so small—how could she endure this?

He held her gently, avoiding pressure. Furrowing his brow, he asked, "She came here to…?"

Tara sighed, wiping her eyes. "She's here for hospital admission and tests. It's been a long, tough morning of exams, and she's so little…"

Josiah saw Joyce's pain. He lifted her closer. "Joyce, where does it hurt?"

Joyce paused, shaking her head. "I don't know," she whispered, her lip pouting, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I just don't feel well. Very unwell."

"Alright," Josiah said, his worry palpable. He didn't dare press further. "Don't cry, Joyce; I'm here."

Joyce snuggled closer. Concerned, Josiah looked at Tara. "Where's the patient room?"

"Please follow me."

In the patient room, Josiah's concern remained etched on his face. "Get the doctor. Joyce needs to see a doctor if she's feeling this bad."

Tara nodded and hurried off. Brayden arrived shortly after hearing the news, checking on Joyce. Ruffling her hair, he said, "Joyce, you did great! All done with the exams?" He produced a fairy wand. "Look! This is your reward!"

"Thank you, Brayden," Joyce mumbled, her usual excitement absent.

Josiah frowned, glancing at Brayden. "You're sure she's alright?"

Brayden nodded, eyeing Josiah cautiously, sensing his unusual connection to Joyce. Josiah's aura suggested he wasn't ordinary. "Kids can feel discomfort during exams; they have low tolerance."

Josiah nodded, still worried, wanting to comfort Joyce. He considered laying her down.

Joyce's face crumpled. "Josiah, hold me! Don't you like me?"

Tara, a little embarrassed, said, "Let me hold her. Little ones usually want to be held when they're unwell."

Josiah couldn't let go. "I'll hold her." He shook his head, still cradling Joyce. "Joyce, I'm sorry, I should bring you comfort. How could I not like you? I like you the most." He reassured her, gently rocking her.

He silently asked Tara if this was alright. She nodded, her eyes red. Josiah felt relief as Joyce seemed more at ease.

"Josiah," Joyce murmured, snuggling closer.

"Hmm?" Josiah looked down at her.

Joyce, shyly, said, "I want to drink strawberry milk."

Josiah groaned, his frustration evident. "How could I forget to bring some?" He genuinely regretted it. He'd been with Joyce many times, yet he'd forgotten her favorite drink.

"Just wait a moment." He supported her with one arm, pulling out his phone to make a call. "Get some strawberry milk… very soon."

After hanging up, he smiled at Joyce. "Just wait a moment, okay? Your favorite strawberry milk will be here very soon."

Tears sparkling in her eyes, Joyce hugged him tightly. "You are so wonderful! I like you, Josiah!"

Josiah chuckled softly. "I like you too, very, very much."

At the entrance, Sienna watched silently. She'd been away briefly, and here was Josiah, so connected with their daughter. Tears welled in her eyes as she quietly slipped away.

Zach soon arrived with the strawberry milk. Still processing the situation, he wondered how Josiah could be friends with such a lovely child—one of the loveliest he'd ever seen.

Josiah tilted his chin slightly. "Open a bottle for her."

"Of course," Zach replied, handing the milk to Josiah.

Josiah held it to Joyce's lips. "Here's the strawberry milk you love."

Joyce drank quietly, her cheeks puffing adorably. She seemed happier.

Josiah's expression softened. "You really know how to enjoy your milk."

Before leaving, Josiah gave Tara his number. "If Joyce feels unwell or starts to miss me, just give me a call. Anytime."

Tara, hesitant at first, accepted the number. Josiah didn't seem malicious, and his wealth suggested he wasn't a fraud. Joyce had nothing of value to deceive him for.

Joyce held his finger tightly. "Are you leaving?"

Tara quickly intervened, worried Joyce would cling to him. "Joyce, be good; Josiah is an adult and has important things to do." Joyce's lip quivered.

"It's okay," Josiah said sympathetically. "Don't be sad, Joyce. I will come to see you often, alright?"

"Really!" Joyce's face lit up. "Let's make a pinky promise!"

"Alright," Josiah smiled, linking his pinky with hers. "I won't lie. Bye." "Goodbye, Josiah."

They parted reluctantly. As Josiah left with Zach, Sienna re-entered the room, her timing perfect.

"Mommy!" Joyce, more energetic now, exclaimed. "Mommy's back!"

Sienna smiled, opening a thermal container. "Did you wait long? Soon you'll get to enjoy your favorite cheesy sweets!"

In the car, Josiah pondered Joyce. She wasn't his child, yet she filled his thoughts. His phone rang—Howard.

"Josiah, please come to Maplewood Bay, I need to talk to you."