Chapter 66

Suddenly, lights flickered on, causing both Sienna and Josiah to squeeze their eyes shut.

“The power’s back on!” Sienna exclaimed joyfully, opening her eyes first. She froze. Josiah’s handsome face was inches away, his lips almost touching hers. She thought he was going to kiss her, a cold sweat breaking out. But then she realized it was impossible; Josiah hated her. The darkness must have been the reason.

“Uh,” Sienna whispered, “The power’s back on.”

“Oh,” Josiah replied, his face emotionless, though internally he was a whirlwind of emotions. He had almost kissed Sienna. He didn't understand his attraction to her, his sudden urge to kiss her.

Affecting calm, Josiah released Sienna, stood up, and said in a lazy, indifferent tone, “Since everything’s fine, I’ll be going.”

“Okay, sure,” Sienna said, rising and walking with him to the door. “Be careful.”

“Alright,” Josiah replied, turning and walking away without looking back. Downstairs, he quickly glanced back at Sienna’s window. His long eyelashes hid his thoughts.

The next day, Josiah visited his brother, Howard. A doctor’s urgent call had summoned him; he was the only one available, Yvette being out of town for a shoot.

“Mr. Flynn,” the doctor began, indicating he had important news regarding Howard.

“What’s going on? Just tell me straight,” Josiah said, his brow furrowed with worry.

“Mr. Flynn,” the doctor said reassuringly, “Don’t worry, it’s not bad news. A new medication, developed abroad, specifically targets your brother’s condition.”

“Oh?” Josiah’s eyes lit up. “Tell me more.”

“The drug,” the doctor explained, “was independently developed by a hospital abroad and has been used in clinical practice, even successfully waking patients from comas lasting years.”

He continued, “Even though Howard has been in a coma for many years, his physical functions are well-maintained. I believe we could try this medication; there’s a chance of success.”

The medication, however, wasn't widely available or mass-produced. Obtaining it required significant funds and navigating the right channels. A small-town doctor like himself couldn’t manage it, but the Flynn family might.

“Mr. Flynn, do you think you could find a way to get this medication?”

Josiah nodded. “Alright, I’ll find a way.” No matter how difficult, he would try everything for Howard. He wanted to wake him, to help him leave the bed he’d been confined to for years.

He paused, then instructed the doctor, “Please, don’t mention this to Grandma and Yvette yet.”

“Okay,” the doctor replied, understanding. While there had been successes, it wasn’t a guarantee. Years of disappointment had taught them caution. Josiah wanted to bear the pressure alone, before Howard awoke. If Howard woke, everyone would rejoice. If not, the sorrow would be his alone.

After Miranda’s surgery, her recovery was progressing well. She was preparing for discharge in the next few days, focusing on recuperation. With the Flynn family’s resources, home would be superior to any rehabilitation center.

On the day of her discharge, Sienna was there.

“Sienna,” Miranda said joyfully, holding her hand. “You’re always so good, arriving first.”

Just then, Josiah entered, seeing Sienna. His eyes lit up involuntarily. Raising an eyebrow, he said with unplanned joy, “Grandma, are you saying any effort in staying the past few nights counted for nothing!”

“Stop fishing for compliments,” Miranda chuckled, patting Sienna’s hand. “Our Sienna is so obedient and considerate, while you’re just standing here like a log. How can it be the same?”

“Hmph,” Josiah chuckled, “Fine, your Sienna is the best.”

“Oh right,” Miranda pulled Sienna closer and said seriously, “Sienna, stay at our house with me for the next few days.” Her tone was declarative, leaving no room for discussion.

Sienna hesitated. “Grandma, it doesn’t seem appropriate, considering my current relationship with Josiah.”

“What’s inappropriate about it?” Miranda gave her a playful glare. “Just because you and Josiah couldn’t become a couple, does it mean you shouldn’t call me Grandma anymore?”

“Of course not,” Sienna immediately shook her head.

“Then that’s settled, right?” Miranda laughed. “To me, you’ll always be my granddaughter. I just got out of the hospital. Can’t you stay with me for a few days?”

Sienna found it hard to refuse.

Josiah chimed in, “Sienna, just say yes. Yvette isn’t around these days, and Grandma has no one to talk to.”

Sienna agreed. “Alright, I’ll come over and stay with Grandma for a few days.”

“Great!” Miranda was delighted, patting her hand and smoothing her hair. “You’re such a good kid.”

Since Sienna would be staying for a few days, she needed to collect some belongings from 12th Avenue. Miranda instructed Josiah to accompany her. He’d already planned to.

Back on 12th Avenue, Sienna gathered her things and got into the car. On the way to the Flynn residence, Sienna remembered something and turned to Josiah. “By the way, when is Yvette coming back?”

“In a few more days. Why do you ask?”

“Oh,” Sienna nodded. “If she comes back, could you let me know ahead of time?”

“Hmm,” Josiah was surprised. “Why?” He was surprised by her question.

“Of course I’m leaving,” Sienna replied. “She doesn’t want to see me. You know she can’t stand being under the same roof as me.”

Hearing this, Josiah was taken aback, tightening his grip on the steering wheel. With a slight laugh, he said, “You’re overthinking it. Yvette isn’t that petty. She’s forgotten about the past.”

Sienna smiled faintly and shook her head imperceptibly. “Then think of it this way; maybe I’m too embarrassed to face her.”

Josiah was momentarily speechless. Those were his own words to her, so he couldn’t argue.

That night, Sienna stayed at the Flynn residence. After dinner, Miranda asked Josiah to stay for a chat.

“Grandma, do you need something?”

“Yes,” Miranda took a sip of her coffee. “Do you know why I wanted Sienna to stay with us?”

Josiah raised an eyebrow. “Didn’t you say you wanted her to keep you company?”

“You…” Miranda paused, chuckled helplessly, and shook her head. Sighing, she said, “Never mind. I’ve come to terms with it. You really just don’t like Sienna, and I’ve accepted that.”

Josiah was surprised. “What did I do?” He didn’t understand why it always came back to him disliking Sienna.

Miranda glared at him. “Even if you’re not husband and wife, you grew up together and share a bond. As her brother, you can’t even remember her birthday! If Howard were here, he would definitely remember.”

Josiah was surprised to learn Sienna’s birthday was approaching.

Miranda continued, “I’m planning to throw her a proper birthday party, and then I’ll find her a good match.”