Chapter 306

The next afternoon, Josiah collected Sienna to visit a traditional medicine doctor. The doctor examined Sienna thoroughly, using traditional methods. He sighed, commenting, “After childbirth, your body has been quite drained.” Looking at Josiah, he added, “It’s not right. A man from the Flynn family should be able to take good care of his wife, shouldn't he?”

Josiah's eyelids drooped, his lips tightening. He remained speechless.

The doctor continued, “The wealthy have their own troubles. Why would a good girl marry into such a family?” Sienna silently agreed, reaffirming her lack of desire to re-enter that world.

The doctor prescribed medicine, saying, “Fortunately, you’re young and healthy. With proper care, you’ll recover. Let’s start with two doses. Come for acupuncture twice a week. I’ll prepare the medicine for you.”

Josiah thanked the doctor and left with Sienna. At the entrance to Sunshine Neighborhood, Sienna instructed Josiah to park by the roadside. He complied, glancing at his watch—a little after 3:00 PM. Knowing Joyce would be at the park, he asked, “Are you going to see Joyce?”

“Yes,” Sienna replied, opening the car door and exiting without hesitation.

Josiah watched her go, thinking, What should I do? Can things continue like this? I’m Joyce’s father, yet even seeing my daughter feels like a luxury. He longed to see and hold Joyce, to have a family, acknowledging his own shortcomings. He wasn't a good man, and he didn't care to be.

At the park, Joyce and her friends played until the sky darkened. Sienna scooped Joyce into her arms, saying, “Let’s go home, sweetie. Tara’s prepared a delicious meal.”

The mention of food instantly brightened Joyce’s mood. “Yummy food!” she exclaimed.

Suddenly, Sienna heard, “Joyce.” Looking up, she saw Josiah approaching with a smile.

“Mr. Flynn!” Joyce squealed, wriggling in Sienna’s arms. “Mommy! It’s Mr. Flynn!”

Sienna frowned, wondering, Why is he here? What does he want?

Josiah quickly reached them. Joyce reached for him, saying, “Mr. Flynn, pick me up.” Sienna, though hesitant, released her.

Josiah’s face lit up as he lifted Joyce. She’s incredibly adorable, he mused.

Joyce tried to introduce Josiah to Sienna, but her young age hindered clear explanation. Josiah interjected, “No rush. Let me handle this.” Noticing Sienna’s displeasure, he cautiously greeted her, “Hello, lady.”

Sienna offered a mocking smile, thinking, What’s his game? Is this because I won’t let him see Joyce? Thankfully, he doesn’t tell Joyce she’s his daughter!

Playing along for Joyce’s sake, Sienna replied, “Hello, I’m Sienna.” Then, turning to Joyce, she added, “Let’s go. It’s dinner time.”

Later, Joyce clung to Josiah, refusing to let go. He asked, “Are you hungry?”

Joyce nodded, saying, “I missed you.”

“I missed you too,” Josiah replied, his heart softening. “How about I take you for some delicious food?”

Joyce nodded excitedly, then turned to Sienna, asking, “Mom, is that okay?”

Sienna frowned, refusing. “Joyce, Tara’s already prepared dinner.”

Joyce’s face fell. Josiah, seeing her distress, pleaded, “Sienna, it’s just a meal. I haven’t seen Joyce in a long time.”

Joyce looked at Sienna with pleading eyes. “Mommy, please?”

Seeing their pleas, Sienna relented. “Alright.”

Joyce cheered, “Hooray! Let’s go! Let’s eat something yummy!”

Josiah pinched Joyce’s nose. “What yummy food do you want?”

“Cake! Blueberry cake!”

“Okay, I’ll buy it,” Josiah said, inwardly thinking, Joyce, I’m not Mr. Flynn, I’m your Dad.

Because of Joyce’s cake request, they went to Tasty Bites. Joyce eagerly awaited her cake, calling out, “Mr. Flynn.”

Josiah gave an okay sign. Sienna, however, intervened, “No way. Dinner first. No cake before dinner.”

Joyce pouted, looking hopefully at Josiah, but he deferred to Sienna. “Your mom’s right. Listen to Mom.”

Joyce thought, Mr. Flynn isn’t impressive at all. Mom is the best!

Sienna served Joyce dinner. “Eat up. Finish this, or no cake.”

Joyce began eating. Josiah helped Sienna with her food. Then, Sienna’s phone rang repeatedly. Annoyed, she went outside to answer. Her voice was cold and hard. “What do you want?”

Larry, on the other end, said, “Sienna, Conner’s been discharged. I thought the family could celebrate with a meal.”

“That’s great, but why should I care about your family matters?” Sienna retorted.

Larry’s tone grew serious. “Sienna, you’re part of the family too. I want you to come.”

Sienna fiercely interrupted, “If you’re sick, get treatment. Don’t act crazy around me!”

She hung up, immediately blocking Larry’s number. Anger flushed her face, making her hands tremble and her breathing quicken. She stood outside to compose herself before returning inside.

The waiter brought the cake. Joyce’s eyes sparkled. Josiah, amused, fed her cake while Sienna was absent.

Sienna entered and witnessed this. Her face darkened, her eyes narrowed. Joyce called out, “Mommy!” Josiah said, “Sienna…”