Chapter 321

Yvette was confused. Why would Howard buy a pencil? This brand… it looked familiar. An old Gerlandia brand. She quickly searched her phone. Scrolling through the product page, she found an identical item: A Professional Designer Drawing Pencil.

Yvette frowned, even more puzzled. Why would he need this pencil? He’s a businessman; it wasn't for his use. Could it… Her gut feeling pointed towards Bobby’s mother. First, the hidden tortoiseshell hair clip, and now this. Yvette was sure Howard had ties to Bobby's mother, but knew direct questioning would be fruitless. Maintaining her composure, she closed the pencil box and returned it to its place.

When darkness fell, Howard awoke. As he sat up, Yvette entered, carrying a steaming bowl of soup. She smiled. “Awake? You must be tired. I’ll stay tonight to keep watch. You can rest; your body is still recovering. I’ll take over at night.”

Howard nodded, accepting her offer. “Alright. If anything happens at night, just have the caretaker handle it. If anything comes up about Josiah, call me immediately.”

Yvette glanced at him. “Do you need to remind me?”

“I guess I’m being too talkative.” Howard stood, took his coat from the sofa, and put it on. He also retrieved the pencil.

Yvette smiled subtly, choosing to ignore it.

Late that night, Yvette sat by Josiah’s hospital bed, a book in her hands, her gaze tracing his features as he lay there. He looked remarkably like Howard. Isn’t it amazing how much one person can resemble another?

She opened her book. “Josiah, the doctor said I should talk to you more. I’ve been talking for so long. Why aren’t you waking up?” She lowered her gaze and began reading softly, "The Count of Monte Cristo, your favorite book.” "Josiah, wake up soon. Promise me you’ll wake up first thing in the morning, okay?”

As dawn approached, Howard entered Josiah’s room. Josiah’s eyes remained closed; Yvette leaned against the bed, the book beside her.

Howard sighed softly, put aside the book, fetched a blanket from the couch, and covered Yvette.

Yvette’s eyebrows rose as she opened her eyes. “Howard, you’re here. So early?”

He nodded. “Yeah, I couldn’t sleep.” Twenty-four hours had passed, and Josiah still hadn’t woken. Only two-thirds of the seventy-two hours the doctor mentioned remained.

Tears welled in Yvette’s eyes. “Let’s wait for the doctor’s rounds. It’s not time to lose hope yet.”

Howard nodded, wondering what more he could do.

That day, Sienna was at home, preparing lunch when Howard called. She answered, her heart skipping a beat. Could it be…? She didn’t dare to guess.

7:07 AM

Howard, sitting by Josiah’s bed, said, “Sienna, Josiah still hasn’t woken up.”

Sienna’s grip tightened on the phone; her lips parted, unsure what to say.

Howard pleaded, “Sienna, I don’t know what happened between you and Josiah, but can’t you come see him?”

Sienna frowned. “Howard, do you believe just talking to Josiah will make him wake up?”

Howard paused. “I’m not a doctor, but I was once a patient. I believe a patient’s will to survive can create miracles.”

Sienna blinked. “If that’s the case, then you should understand that what Josiah needs was never me.”

Howard sighed. “I got it. I won’t pressure you.”

After hanging up, Sienna pondered. Just two more days. Will Josiah wake up?

Rosie cautiously approached. Sienna quickly supported her. “Rosie, do you need anything? Why didn’t you call me?”

Rosie smiled. “I’m alright. Just came for water.”

Sienna poured her a glass. “Here you go.”

Rosie sipped slowly. “Thanks. Were you talking to Howard?”

“Yes,” Sienna replied.

“Mr. Flynn hasn’t woken up yet?” Rosie asked.

“No.” Sienna nodded, resuming food preparation.

“Aren’t you going to check on him?” Rosie leaned against the table.

Sienna paused. “Why would I go? I’m not going.”

Rosie sighed. “I don’t know what Josiah’s thinking. He got hurt with Yvette, yet he’s rushing to see you. Is he trying to balance both sides? There’s no such thing in reality!”

Sienna quietly prepared the food. She didn’t care about Josiah’s plans and wouldn’t let him succeed. But for Joyce’s sake, he had to stay safe. Just two days left, forty-eight hours.

Early the next morning, Yvette hurried to the hospital. She entered Josiah's room, but didn't see Howard. The attendant directed her to the bathroom.

“Okay,” Yvette nodded and went to set up breakfast. She heard the bathroom door open and Howard emerged. Their eyes met briefly, then Howard quickly retreated to the bathroom and closed the door.

After a sleepless night, Howard's legs ached. He took a hot bath and felt better, but only wore a bathrobe because Hervey hadn't brought his clothes yet. He and Yvette had already broken up, and it wasn't appropriate for him to be seen so casually. Yvette smirked. Is he even wearing a robe to avoid being seen? To avoid misunderstandings?

Hervey arrived. “Good morning, Ms. Young.” He went to the bathroom to give Howard his clothes.

Howard emerged fully dressed, feeling awkward looking at Yvette. She seemed unfazed. “Howard, come and have breakfast. The doctor’s going to check on the patients soon.”

“Okay,” Howard nodded, and the tension returned. Forty-eight hours had passed, and Josiah still hadn’t woken.