Chapter 360

When Howard heard Yvette's words, his face grew serious. “Okay. I’ll take care of it.” He turned to Yvette. “Yvette, I have something to do. I have to leave.”

Yvette’s smile vanished. She asked casually, “Is it… Rosie?”

Howard nodded. Even though the call wasn't directly from Rosie, it concerned her. “I’ll be off then. Take care of yourself.”

“Okay,” Yvette replied, her smile strained. “Hurry up; don’t keep her waiting.”

“Alright…” He paused, then remembered something. “By the way, what were you saying just now?”

“It’s nothing,” Yvette said, forcing a smile.

“Well, take care.” Howard left without another word. The moment the door closed, Yvette's smile disappeared. He was in such a hurry. Did he really care that much about Rosie, even in front of her?

Yvette felt their years together meant nothing. Anger and jealousy surged, the flames of her emotion growing stronger. She pushed herself up, trying to get out of bed, but collapsed back down.

Yvette gasped. “Nurse! Nurse!”

At the nursing home, Amy opened the door for Howard and gestured toward the living room. “Ms. Miller is in there.”

Howard nodded and entered.

Rosie turned, curious about the noise. “Who is it?”

“It’s me.” The familiar voice surprised Rosie, making her flinch. It was the last person she wanted to see.

Rosie started, “Hendrix?”

Howard sat down beside her, his expression serious. “Why did you apply to switch facilities?”

Rosie was confused. “How do you know?”

“You still haven’t answered my question,” Howard pressed. “Why did you apply to switch?”

Rosie bit her lip, battling her thoughts. Finally, she confessed, “I don’t want to have too much contact with you anymore.”

Her directness was unexpected. He replied honestly, “Is it because I kissed you?”

Rosie’s jaw slackened. “You… you…”

Howard knew he would have to explain their relationship sooner or later. He saw this confession as a first step in expressing his feelings. He said seriously, “I didn’t kiss you without thinking. I didn’t mean to disrespect you, Rosie… I want to be with you.”

Rosie was stunned. She stood up, struggling to find her words. “You must be joking! Don’t you know… I have a husband!”

“Divorce!” Howard interrupted firmly. “A husband like that—cheating and abusive—is just a facade. Do you really want to stay trapped in that?”

Rosie was speechless. “That… that’s something for the future…”

“I’ll wait for you,” Howard said quickly, his dark eyes focused on her, filled with determination. “I can manage until your divorce.”

Rosie was silent, her mind racing. “What is happening? Did I just hear a confession!”

“I know you value your morals… I promise I won’t do anything to compromise them.”

Rosie took a deep breath, shaking her head. “Do you really know me well enough to say this? We’ve only seen each other a few times.”

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Howard said, unable to bear the sense of inferiority that arose whenever she mentioned her past. “What I want is your future. Your past, your ex-husband… none of that matters to me.”

Rose was astonished, overwhelmed. “But… but…” Everything was happening too fast.

Howard stood and gently placed his hand on her shoulder. “Rosie, listen to me. I want to be with you. Let me take care of you in your future; is that okay?”

Faced with his clear intentions, Rosie felt lost, a mixture of warmth and coldness washing over her. She wondered if she was ill.

He helped her to sleep, quietly closing the door behind him.

At eight o’clock that evening, Josiah finished reading a story to Joyce, lulling her to sleep.

“Just in time,” Sienna said, handing him his phone. “A call.”

Josiah recognized the hospital’s number. The voice on the other end raised his concern. “Okay, I’ll be there right away!” He hung up and turned to Sienna, who looked impassive. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Sienna,” Josiah hesitated, taking her hand. “I need to go to the hospital. You should come with me.”

“Why should I?”

“Ivette… she’s not doing well.”

Sienna frowned and nodded. “Oh, then you should hurry!”

“Mm, let’s go. You’re coming with me.” Josiah held her hand and started toward the door.

“Wait,” Sienna pulled her hand away. “Just you go. Why should I come?”

Josiah looked at her. “I don’t want you to misunderstand my relationship with her.”

Sienna found his words amusing. “I didn’t misunderstand; I’m sure of it.”

“Sienna,” Josiah frowned, realizing he couldn’t explain. “You need to come with me. Seeing it for yourself will help you believe me.”

“Whatever you do, I won’t believe it. But don’t worry, I won’t cause you any trouble.”

“Not believing it but not causing trouble?” Josiah looked at her, shocked by her mixed signals.

“Exactly,” Sienna nodded calmly. “I didn’t choose to be with you; you forced me. So, whoever you like and however many women you see, it doesn’t concern me. I won’t make a scene. As long as you’re happy.”

Josiah tightened his grip on her shoulders, hugging her in frustration. “If I ever lose my mind, it’ll surely be your fault! Let’s go!”

The hospital room echoed with Yvette’s cries of distress. “Yvette!” Josiah grabbed her shoulder, trying to keep her still. “Calm down! Be careful not to fall!”

Yvette, her eyes red and brimming with tears, spoke bitterly. “Why are you so anxious? I can barely sit up, and you’re worried I’ll fall!”

Josiah’s face darkened, his brow furrowed. Seeing his silent concern, Yvette suddenly burst out laughing. “From now on, I can only lie here like a lifeless log!”