Chapter 187

Sienna’s tears left Josiah speechless. After leaving the apartment building, a gloom settled over her. He tried to comfort her during the drive. "Still worried about your friend?"

She only nodded.

"I want to say something, but please don't be upset," Josiah said, tapping the steering wheel. "She's just a friend. You can care for her and help her, but you can't live her life for her. Try not to worry so much, okay?"

Sienna nodded again, her gaze fixed on the window. She truly didn't understand. Earlier, Rosie had reacted calmly to Sienna's revelation about Daniel's wife, seemingly unsurprised. This only deepened Sienna's confusion about Rosie's continued involvement with Daniel. Despite their short acquaintance, Sienna didn't believe Rosie was the type to involve herself with a married man.

Silence filled the car until they reached Silver Beach. As the car passed through the gates, the security guard greeted them warmly, "Mr. and Mrs. Flynn, welcome home."

"Thanks," Josiah replied, a pleased smile on his face.

Sienna was startled and looked at him. He'd called her his wife, a label she detested. "Why did he call me Mrs. Flynn?" she frowned.

Josiah shrugged it off. "Of course, I did."

"Are you forgetting something? We're divorced," Sienna said, a hint of amusement in her tone.

Josiah was momentarily taken aback. Pulling into the garage, he turned to face her, his eyes darkening at the intensity of her reaction. He conceded immediately. "Sorry, it's just a habit. You were my wife for four years. I slipped up."

Sienna wasn't entirely convinced. Biting her lip, she said, "A wife is different from a girlfriend. Please, get it right."

Josiah hesitated, then reluctantly agreed. "Alright." But a strange impulse tugged at him. He glanced up at her, a teasing tone entering his voice. "Have you ever considered that, if we keep moving forward and things calm down, we might have a chance to get back together?"

"No way," Sienna replied instantly, leaving no room for argument.

Josiah, stung by her immediate rejection, asked in frustration, "Why?"

"It's simple. We tried marriage; it didn't work. It's a path that doesn't suit us. Why repeat the same mistakes?" Sienna grabbed her bag, opened the car door, and stepped out.

Josiah sat in stunned silence for a moment before following. His expression was tense, darker than the night.

After showering, Sienna settled into bed with her tablet. Josiah joined her shortly, wrapping his arms around her. "What are you watching?"

Engrossed, Sienna merely pointed at the screen.

"Oh, Poker Face. Not bad," Josiah murmured, pulling her closer, growing restless. He kissed her hair, then her cheek.

Sienna, fed up, put down her tablet. "You're annoying."

"Not at all," Josiah countered, his eyes lighting up as he gazed at her. "Sienna, it's been a while…"

It had been some time since they'd been intimate. Josiah, a healthy man, found it difficult to resist the temptation of being so close to such a beautiful woman. He gave her a pleading look. "Sienna, have some pity on me."

Sienna remained firm. She pushed him away. "I told you, I'm not interested, not now."

"You did," Josiah frowned, trying to persuade her. "But it's been days."

"Oh, can't wait any longer?" Sienna asked mockingly. "Well, you can always find someone…"

"Sienna Shaw!" Josiah interrupted, his lips pressing into a thin line. "If you don't want me to touch you, I won't. Just don't say things to annoy me on purpose." He threw off the covers and went to the bathroom.

Sienna was puzzled. Was he playing the virtuous husband? For her? A sudden thought struck her. In their relationship, respect and loyalty weren't necessarily good signs.

The next day, Sienna had a day off. Josiah, instead of going to the office, took her to Pine Valley Golf Course. He had some business to attend to there as well; important decisions were often made in informal settings. He arrived early to spend time with Sienna.

After all, Sienna was an adopted daughter of the Flynn family. Miranda had provided her with an excellent education and upbringing. This had created mixed feelings for Sienna over the years. Miranda had even hired a private golf instructor for her. Though Sienna wasn't a serious player, her skills were adequate for social occasions.

"You're doing well," Josiah said, surprised.

Sienna raised an eyebrow. "I don't play often, so I'm a bit rusty."

Yosef and two other well-dressed men approached.

Sienna gestured towards Josiah. "They're looking for you. Go take care of it."

"Alright," Josiah said, not rushing. He took the towel from his neck and wiped her sweat. "Make sure you wipe off your sweat; you'll catch a cold if the breeze hits you. If you get tired, take a break." He held her hand, pointing towards the lounge.

"Got it. Just go," Sienna urged, annoyed by his fussing. He hadn't been like this before, she thought, attributing it to age. It even reminded her of her grandfather.

"Wait for me," Josiah said, withdrawing his hand calmly. "I'll take you somewhere delicious for lunch."

Sienna frowned. "I don't like dining with you and your business associates. A table full of scheming businessmen gives me indigestion."

"Don't worry, it's just us," Josiah replied, enjoying her spirited request. "I'm heading out," he said, waving.

"Yeah, see you," Sienna replied. After he left, she played a little longer before boredom led her to the lounge.

While attending to business, Josiah noticed Sienna had stopped playing early. Is it because I'm not with her? Has she become so dependent on me? he mused, a smile spreading across his face.

Suddenly, a loud explosion rang out, followed by another. Josiah and the others turned, staring towards the lounge, where flames and thick smoke billowed.