Chapter 183

The doctor's next words confirmed Josiah's suspicions. "Also, Mr. Flynn, try to avoid intimacy for a while," he said.

Josiah, his expression tense, took the ointment and gruffly replied, "Got it."

"I'll be heading out now," the doctor said.

After seeing the doctor out, Josiah retired to the bathroom to fill the tub. He then returned to the bed and bent down to pick up Sienna.

Sienna's eyes snapped open, her brow furrowing. "What are you trying to do this time? I'm already in this state, and you still won't leave me alone? Why don't you find someone else? I really can't handle you right now," she said irritably.

Josiah felt a lump in his throat. "What? Is she really trying to irritate me on purpose? How could a girlfriend tell her boyfriend to find someone else?" His frustration made it hard to swallow. He said, "Sienna, I know you're angry. But you're my girlfriend, and you're the only one I have. I'm not the kind of guy who would mess around. No matter how mad you are, you shouldn't say things like that."

Looking at his stern face, Sienna couldn't help but laugh. "Are you mad?"

Josiah was silent. Isn't this exactly what she wants? he thought.

Sienna laughed even louder, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Why are you angry? We're together, but you don't like me, and I don't like you."

A sharp pain pierced Josiah's heart. She said she didn't like me. As I expected, she still has feelings for Cedric, he realized.

Sienna continued, with a bright smile, "I'm pretty easygoing. These days, even marriages can be open, so why should our relationship be any different? Don't stress about it. Just be yourself, like you always have."

"Mr. Flynn, don't tell me you've been with Yvette all these years? Honestly, maybe you don't have a girlfriend, but you definitely have female company, right?" she said, judging by his recent behavior.

"Sienna Shaw!" Josiah, staring at her mouth, felt both frustrated and choked up. "I'll make it clear one last time: There's nothing improper between Yvette and me, and I'm not with you because of anything she said."

After a pause, he took a breath. "It's not that I don't like you. Aren't you aware of the way I treat you?" He tightened his grip, lifting her. "The bath is ready. Taking a soak will make you feel better."

Sienna was bewildered. What did he mean by saying he didn't have any dislike for me? And what am I aware of? What should I even know?

Entering the bathroom, Josiah put her down, holding her with one arm while undressing with the other. Sienna resisted, frowning and pushing against him. "Let go. I can handle it myself."

"You can handle it with your right hand wrapped up like that, or on those unsteady legs of yours?" Josiah snapped. He worked faster, worried she'd catch a cold again, and quickly placed her in the bathtub.

Sienna furrowed her brows, taking a deep breath. It wasn't the cold; it was the external injuries all over her body.

Josiah saw the bruises beneath the water, evidence of his actions. He finally understood the doctor's warnings. He bowed his head and sincerely apologized, "I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

He wouldn't forgive himself if it happened again—no need for Howard to intervene. He reached for the showerhead. "Close your eyes and lean back a little. I'll wash your hair."

Sienna wasn't surprised. Ever since Silver Beach, he had always cared for her like this after their intimate moments. At first, it felt weird, but it became routine. She figured it was his way of showing affection. Who knew how many girlfriends he had washed hair for over the years? she mused.

Josiah washed her hair. When she had soaked enough, he wrapped her in a dry towel and carried her back to the bed. He dried her hair and brought out the ointment.

"What's this?" Sienna frowned, resisting. "I already said, no medicine."

"This isn't something you take orally," Josiah replied, thinking she was nervous about medicine. The doctor had said her fever wasn't too high, so medicine wasn't necessary. She needed water, sleep, and rest. He was okay with her skipping the medicine, but she needed the ointment. He held her wrist, reassuring her gently, "You don't need to eat this. Just apply it to your skin. Weren't you just gasping in pain a moment ago?"

If I keep refusing, will it raise his suspicions? Sienna pondered. "I'm feeling a bit thirsty. Could you please get me some hot milk?"

"No problem," Josiah agreed. "I'll go just after you apply the ointment."

"Now!" Sienna's patience snapped. Still unwell, her cheeks and eyes flushed slightly. Her eyes glistened with a lively, almost fiery glow.

Josiah's heart pounded; his mouth went dry. He could promise her anything now. "Alright, I'm getting you some milk now."

Once he left, Sienna opened the box, read the instructions—safe for pregnant women—and sighed in relief. Even if she wasn't pregnant, she was trying to be.

When Josiah returned with hot milk, he noticed a faint smell of medicine. He handed the cup to Sienna. "Did you put the ointment on by yourself?"

"Yeah," Sienna said, sipping the milk slowly.

Josiah, still worried, asked, "Did you apply it all over? Why didn't you wait for me?"

"Got it all. It's not hard," Sienna finished the milk, handing him the cup.

Taking the cup, Josiah asked, "Do you want some soup? I made pancakes, too. Want to try one?"

"Not hungry right now. I just want to sleep," Sienna waved him off, looking tired. She lay down.

Josiah didn't insist. He tucked her in, placing ice under her arm. "Alright, go ahead and sleep. I'll be right here. Just call if you need anything."

Sienna didn't respond, turning her back to him.

"Still upset, huh? It's alright. Now that she's back, I'll calm her down slowly," Josiah chuckled, turning off the main light, leaving only the wall lamp on.

Sienna lay there, trying to sleep. She heard him move to the couch, probably to work. Just as she drifted off, she heard him get up and go to the bathroom.

A moment later, he returned, slipping in beside her and wrapping his arms around her from behind.