Chapter 328

With the last call, Josiah seemed startled awake from his dream, his eyes flying open. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead and temples. Vrene gasped, slightly parting her lips, looking at him in disbelief. She was alone in the inner ward; the nurse had just finished her rounds, and the caregiver and Sienna were in the cafeteria.

“Josiah! You’re awake!” Yvette stumbled to the bedside, tears welling in her eyes. “That’s wonderful!” she choked out.

“What happened to me?” Josiah frowned, rubbing his aching temples. The last thing he remembered was New Year's Eve at the Sunshine Neighborhood, holding Joyce and watching fireworks with Sienna. After that, blankness. He was in a hospital. How did he get here? Did Sienna bring him? She must have been terrified.

“Where’s Sienna?” Josiah asked, propping himself up on his elbow.

“Take it easy,” Yvette said, helping him sit up and placing a pillow behind him, ignoring his question. “You know, I told you to go to the hospital that day, but you wouldn’t listen.” She threw herself into his arms. “You have no idea how scared I was! You were in a coma for a whole week! The doctors said you might never wake up. I’ve been by your side day and night. I was afraid to close my eyes. I was so scared you'd end up like Howard, in a coma for years!” She sobbed, “Thank goodness you’re awake! You’re okay!”

Josiah looked down at her, trying to lift a hand to her shoulder, but he was too weak. “Yvette, don’t cry. I’m alright now,” he murmured.

“Okay,” Yvette replied.

Sienna and the nurse rushed in from the doorway, alerted by a noise, thinking Yvette needed help. They found Josiah awake, hugging Yvette tightly, both in tears.

The nurse glanced at Sienna. “Ms. Shaw, this…”

Sienna, calm and composed, instructed, “Please inform the doctor.”

“Alright,” the nurse replied, leaving immediately.

Sienna coolly observed Josiah and Yvette. Her eyelids twitched before she turned away. He was awake; she was no longer needed.

As she turned, Josiah saw her profile. “Sienna!” With sudden energy, he pushed Yvette aside and threw off the blankets to get out of bed.

Yvette grabbed him. “You just woke up! Where are you going?”

“Sienna, I saw Sienna!” Josiah frowned, shooting Yvette a disapproving look. “Why didn’t you tell me she was here?”

Yvette’s voice turned icy. “So what if she’s here! Do you think she came willingly? She refused after Howard asked her. You were unconscious for three days, and Miranda had to beg her to come. She only agreed begrudgingly!”

“But she came,” Josiah said bitterly. “That’s enough for me.” He swung his legs over the bed, slipped on his slippers, and pulled out his IV.

Yvette stared in shock. “Josiah! What are you doing? You were in a coma for a week! You need treatment!”

“Not gonna die!” Josiah shouted, dashing out.

“Josiah! Josiah!” Yvette yelled after him.

He was wearing only a hospital gown. He chased after the elevator, reaching it just as the doors opened. Sienna stepped in with a group of people. “Sienna!” Josiah shouted urgently.

Sienna turned, but the elevator was crowded, blocking her view. The doors closed before he could get in. He slammed his fist against the doors, clenching his jaw, and ran to the fire escape.

Reaching the first floor, breathless and his heart racing, he burst from the lobby and caught up with Sienna on the lawn.

“Sienna!” He was before her, sweeping her into a hug. The force of his embrace made her stumble backward. “Josiah!” she exclaimed, surprised.

He grinned. “Finally caught up to you! You need some stamina to even have the right to chase you?”

Sienna glared, noticing his thin gown. “Josiah, why do you always act recklessly without thinking of the consequences?” she burst out. “On such a cold day, just waking up from a coma… If you have a death wish, please let me know ahead of time.”

Before she finished, he cupped her face and kissed her deeply. Sienna’s eyes widened; her body shook uncontrollably. She wanted to push him away, but he held her too tightly. She opened her mouth and bit him.

He groaned, a slight taste of blood spreading. He released her, grinning, and wiped the blood from his lip, carefree as ever.

“You just love biting people, don’t you?” he said.

Sienna glared, wiping her mouth. “Josiah! Are you disgusting? How long has it been since you brushed your teeth?”

He raised an eyebrow, laughing. “You’re concerned about my teeth? Can I take that as a sign you don’t mind me kissing you?”

Sienna’s eyes widened. He was always so self-righteous! The pent-up worry and anger exploded.

“Josiah! Don’t think that just because you chased after me and look all downcast, I’ll be touched! Nothing is going to change between us.” She gave him a mocking smile. “Your injury has nothing to do with me, yet you want me to face the consequences? What do you take me for? An idiot or a pushover?”