Chapter 196

Back at the Sunshine Neighborhood, Joyce was already asleep. Tara, however, was still awake, folding clothes from the dryer on the couch. Seeing Sienna, she whispered, "You're back! Joyce is asleep. Once I'm done, I'll stay with her."

"Thank you, Tara. You've worked hard," Sienna replied. This wasn't just politeness; it was heartfelt. Joyce required extra care at night, and even though Tara was paid, her attentiveness stemmed from genuine kindness.

"You're too kind," Tara said with a smile. "I have a daughter too. Honestly, it's tough for you." Being single mothers, they understood each other well. "It's late. You should wash up and get some rest."

"Okay," Sienna said, heading towards the bathroom. "Tara, I'll take care of Joyce tonight. You can rest."

"Oh, that's great," Tara replied, smiling. "That's very nice of you."

Half an hour later, Sienna entered Joyce's room. Joyce was sprawled on the bed like a tiny frog, her head tilted, chubby mouth slightly open, happily snoring. Sienna chuckled softly and gently touched her daughter's forehead. Joyce was quite warm, even under a thin blanket in the heated room, with a slight layer of sweat.

Sienna lay down beside Joyce but couldn't fall asleep immediately. Their lives had undeniably improved since returning to Jetacrity, and now she was pregnant again. She reached out and gently pinched Joyce's chubby fist. "Joyce is the bravest and strongest baby in the world," she whispered. "Just wait a little longer. Joyce can go to school and make friends like other kids." Closing her eyes, Sienna felt a slight dampness.

The next morning, an enticing aroma wafted from the kitchen. Sienna emerged from the room, holding Joyce, and settled her on the couch, offering her a bottle. "Be a good girl, Joyce, and have some water first." Drinking water in the morning was a habit she'd encouraged.

"Okay," Joyce replied obediently, hugging the bottle, her large eyes moving like grapes. "Mommy, it smells so good!"

"Joyce, you have a good sense of smell," Sienna said, tapping her daughter's cute nose. "Cheesy sweet potatoes are baking in the oven. Do you want some?"

"Wow!" Joyce nodded quickly. "I love them! I want some! Did you make them, Mommy?"

"Yes, I did," Sienna replied.

Joyce's eyes shone with excitement. "Mommy is so busy but still makes sweet potatoes for me. Thank you, Mommy!" She snuggled into Sienna's arms and kissed her cheek.

"You're welcome," Sienna said, though a pang of bitterness lingered. She'd been busy with work lately, neglecting time with Joyce. But that was about to change. She wouldn't be dealing with irrelevant people anymore.

Today was Sienna's day off, so she could spend time with Joyce. "Joyce, let's go get something tasty to eat!" Sienna picked up Joyce and headed towards the dining room. Tara had already placed the sweet potatoes on the table. In the baking dish, the golden sweet potatoes and cheese were perfectly mixed; Sienna had even drizzled chocolate on top before baking, creating a lovely caramel effect.

Sienna cut a piece and placed it on Joyce's special plate, handing her a small spoon. "Thanks, Mommy," Joyce said, holding the spoon properly and scooping up a bite. She blew on it, saying, "Hot."

"Yes," Sienna nodded, smiling. "Hot. Great job, Joyce. You knew to blow on it by yourself!"

"Uh-huh," Joyce nodded happily, eating the cheesy sweet potatoes. "Yummy, Mommy's cooking is so delicious!"

"Eat slowly, okay?" Sienna said, standing. "I'll make some milk for you."

After making the milk and giving it to Joyce, Sienna's phone rang. It was Josiah. She frowned, wondering why he was calling. Had she not explained something clearly? She hung up without answering, but a message immediately popped up: [I'm downstairs. Are you coming down, or should I come up?]

Sienna tensed, rushing to the window. She peeked through the curtain and saw Josiah's flashy Bentley parked below—impossible to miss. Before she could react, her phone buzzed again—another call. She answered.

Downstairs, Josiah sat in his car, looking up at the window. "You share the place with someone and have a child. It's not convenient for me to come up. If I'm in a hurry, I don't care about anything. Do you agree?" He paused, his tone intensifying. "Sienna, are you coming down?"

Sienna thought, With what he said, what choice do I have? She took a deep breath and said, "You just wait."

"Okay, I'll wait," Josiah replied.

Five minutes later, Sienna went downstairs. As she stepped out, Josiah got out of his car, walked around, and said, "Get in."

Sienna reluctantly frowned; it wasn't safe. She worried about Tara and Joyce. Despite her reluctance, she got in the car.

As they drove away, Sienna said, "What do you want to do? Just say it."

Josiah smiled slightly, holding the steering wheel. "I'm taking you somewhere. You're off today, aren't you?"

Sienna didn't understand. "What do you mean? Where are you taking me? What does my day off have to do with you? Have you forgotten we broke up? Just last night!"

Josiah didn't respond.

Sienna grew anxious. "Where exactly are you taking me?" She didn't want another date.

"What's the hurry?" Josiah glanced at her calmly. "You'll know when we get there."

Sienna vaguely recognized the road—Westway Road, known for its high-end boutiques. Why is he taking me there? she wondered.

They arrived at Westway Road and stopped. Josiah led Sienna into FOUR HOURS, a shop she knew; the Flynn family used it for their clothing. The store manager and staff greeted them. "Mr. Flynn, you've arrived." The manager smiled at Sienna. "Hello, Ms. Shaw."

Sienna raised an eyebrow. They recognized me too?

The manager said, "Please, both of you, come in."

Josiah nodded and led Sienna into the shop. The store manager explained that Mr. Reed had called earlier, mentioning Sienna's dissatisfaction with the women's clothing.