Chapter 243

“Sienna,” Josiah interrupted, frowning. His lips tightened, betraying his displeasure.

“Not happy?” Sienna’s eyebrows arched. “Isn’t that the truth? You were injured because of your sweetheart; she should be the one worrying about you.”

“Enough. Stop talking about sweethearts,” Josiah said coldly, suppressing his irritation. “How many times must I tell you? There’s nothing between Yvette and me. Last night, it was only because of Howard…”

“Really?” Sienna smiled, her eyes flashing. “Perhaps you’re in love without knowing it?”

Josiah hesitated. “Sienna…”

A knock sounded on the ward door. A nurse entered with a treatment cart. “Mr. Flynn, it’s time for your afternoon infusion.”

Josiah stared sullenly at Sienna, silent. Sienna stepped back to give the nurse room. “Thank you for your hard work.”

“You’re welcome, Ms. Shaw,” the nurse replied, smiling as she administered the IV. “It’s done. If you need anything, call the nurses’ station or press the call bell.”

Sienna nodded. “Okay, thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” The nurse left, and silence settled over the ward.

The interruption brought a pause. Sienna didn’t resume their previous conversation. She pulled up a chair, sat, glanced at the IV bag, and murmured, “This will take at least half an hour.” She yawned widely, tears welling uncontrollably. She wiped them away.

Josiah noticed. His earlier displeasure faded. “Are you sleepy?”

“Yes,” Sienna nodded, yawning again. “I’m sleepy. I only slept three hours last night, and I went to the dance troupe early this morning.” She felt sleep pressing down on her.

Josiah glanced at his large hospital bed. “Sienna, come here…”

The door opened again. Zach entered. “What’s the matter?” Josiah’s unhappy expression deepened; he hadn’t expected Zach’s visit.

Zach froze, a chill running down his spine. Mr. Flynn is giving me the death stare, he thought. He quickly said, “Mr. Flynn, I wondered if Sienna wanted to go back and get you some…”

Zach’s thoughtfulness was genuine. Josiah would be hospitalized for several days. While hospital supplies were available, his own things—underwear, a razor—were more comfortable. Even Sienna hadn’t considered this; Zach usually handled such things, but as mistress of Silver Beach, the responsibility now fell to her.

“You’re right. That’s thoughtful,” Sienna agreed. “I’ll go back; I know where everything is.”

“Yes,” Zach nodded.

Sienna stood. “I’ll leave this to you. I’ll go back and pack.”

“Zaid is downstairs,” Zach said. “He’ll drive you back.”

“Okay, thanks,” Sienna replied.

“Sienna,” Josiah called as she turned to leave.

She looked back. He stared at her. “You’ll be back, right?”

Sienna paused, then laughed. “Of course. I have to bring you your things.”

“Okay,” Josiah smiled. “Be careful and come back soon.”

“Okay.” Sienna waved and left the ward.

The moment the door closed, Josiah felt a sudden, inexplicable panic and worry. He feared she would leave and never return.

Sienna exited the ward and joined Zaid in the car. As they passed a grove, she saw Howard and Yvette through the window, seemingly in conversation. The car quickly drove away.

In the grove, Yvette stood with her back to Howard, her eyes red.

“Vette,” Howard said, one hand on his cane, the other holding a handkerchief. “Don’t cry. It’s all my fault. If you’re unhappy, take it out on me.”

“Take it out on you?” Yvette looked up, glaring. “Fine, I’ll ask directly. The child is three. Where is his mother? You keep him with Hervey. Where is she?”

“There’s no other woman,” Howard said, frowning. A beautiful face flashed in his mind. He hardened his heart and stated firmly, “There’s no other woman.”

“What?” Yvette was stunned, then scoffed. “Do you think I’m a fool? No other woman? Did you give birth to the child?”

“That’s not what I meant,” Howard shook his head. “I acknowledge the child. As for his mother, I don’t know who she is, and I don’t intend to have anything to do with her.”

Yvette stared intently at him. “Are you serious?”

“Yes,” Howard said, his dark eyes fixed on hers. He gently wiped away her tears. “The child was an accident. His mother is a stranger to me. Why would I abandon you for her?”

Yvette’s tears flowed anew.

“What’s wrong?” Howard asked, startled. “Why are you crying again?”

“Howard,” Yvette sobbed, clinging to him. “You said it. You promised. Don’t lie. Please, don’t lie to me again.”

Howard lowered his head, gazing at her, sighing softly. He embraced her. “Yes, I said it. I won’t lie to you.”

Yvette cried uncontrollably. “Howard, I can’t live without you. You’re the only one I have.” Howard replied softly, “I know.”

Back at Silver Beach, Sienna packed a suitcase with Josiah’s clothes and toiletries. She carried it downstairs and gave it to Zaid. “Zaid, thank you.”