Chapter 205

“Stemma!” Josiah called softly. He saw Sienna’s near tears, and a surge of emotion overwhelmed him. So, she did care. Deep down, he knew this was his fault; he’d hurt her. No girl would remain indifferent if her boyfriend defended another woman, and Sienna was no exception. Her anger and the breakup only confirmed how much she meant to him. Now, it was all clear. Back then, however, his head had felt clouded, his judgment impaired.

Josiah stood, crossed the room in a single stride, and knelt before her. He clasped her hands, gently enfolding them in his warm palms. “Alright,” he said sincerely, “I’ll agree to whatever you want.” Then, with self-reproach, he confessed, “It was my fault. I handled everything so poorly. You had every right to be angry. These past few days, you’ve ignored me. Have you cooled off? If not, tell me what I can do to make it up to you. Whatever it takes.”

Sienna let out a cold laugh. To anyone else, he might have sounded like a lovesick man desperate for reconciliation, but she had no time for games. Looking directly at him, she said firmly, “Josiah, you’re the one insisting on getting back together. Let me make this clear: I have a bad temper. You’ve always known that. This is who I am. If I turn your life upside down in the future, don’t blame me.”

“What’s this?” Josiah teased, his smile carefree and boyish. “Are you worried about me again?” His grip tightened slightly, his touch steady and reassuring. “Don’t worry. As long as you don’t break up with me, I can handle anything you throw at me.”

Sienna bit her lip. “I’m not joking, Josiah. Do you enjoy being treated badly? Wouldn’t it be easier to date someone sweet and obedient?”

“That sounds boring, don’t you think?” Josiah raised an eyebrow, his eyes sparkling with humor. “I’m looking for a girlfriend, not an employee. Why would I want her to follow orders all the time?”

For once, Sienna was speechless. Fine, Mr. Flynn, she thought, exasperation creeping in. You better remember what you just said. Don’t come crying to me later. She poured her heart and soul into this performance, hoping he wouldn’t let her down.

At the police station, Rosie woke early. The past few days had been chaotic. Being in and out of detention was an ordeal. She hadn’t eaten or slept properly, and looked pale and gaunt.

“Hey, Rosie!” A voice startled her. Rosie looked up, her bloodshot eyes meeting the officer’s. “Yes, officer.” She quickly stood. The iron-barred floor creaked open. “You can come out now!”

“Okay,” Rosie replied with tired energy. “Is this for more questioning?”

“No,” the officer said, shaking her head.

At the door, another female officer waited. “Go with her. She’ll help you with the paperwork. Once it’s done, you’ll be free to go,” the officer explained.

“What? I can leave?” Rosie thought, disbelief washing over her.

The female officer smiled kindly. “Please follow me.”

“Alright. Thank you, officer,” Rosie said, still processing the news. She completed the paperwork, signed the necessary forms, and retrieved her belongings. “All done. You’re free to go,” the officer informed her.

“Thank you, officer,” Rosie bowed slightly before stepping out. The sun was shining brightly, and she closed her eyes, breathing deeply. Pulling out her phone, she dialed Sienna’s number.

Sienna, sitting in Josiah’s Bentley Arnage, saw Rosie’s name flash on her screen. She glanced at Josiah, surprised by his swift action. They had just reached an agreement, and Rosie was already free.

“Hello, Rosie?” Sienna said.

“Hi, Sienna,” Rosie said, overcome with emotion. “I’m out. Thank you so much.” It had to be Sienna who saved her. Since the incident, she hadn’t been able to contact Daniel, who was completely unreliable.

“Don’t mention it,” Sienna said, relaxing. “This is all my fault. You suffered because of me. Go home and rest. Get a good night’s sleep.” She glanced at Josiah. “I’ve got something to take care of. Let’s talk when you’re feeling better, okay?”

“Sure. Bye,” Rosie said, ending the call. She walked toward the bus stop with a newfound lightness.

Under a tree, Howard sat in his car, watching her leave. He didn’t look away until she disappeared.

“Howard,” Hervey said softly, “Shall we go?”

“Okay,” Howard said, reluctantly turning his gaze away.

“Howard,” Hervey hesitated. “Rosie went through a lot this time, and her husband didn’t show up once. Do you think we should…”

“No,” Howard cut him off. His face remained impassive. “She’s fine now. As for her life, that’s her own business. It has nothing to do with me. Do you understand?”

Hervey stiffened. “Yes, Howard, I understand.”

Rowl, a FOUR HOURS staff member, walked ahead with a cheerful smile. Behind them was Sienna, who had just changed clothes.

“Mr. Flynn, take a look…” After their agreement, Josiah insisted on taking Sienna shopping. The outfit she was wearing was his choice.

Unlike Yvette’s ladylike style, this one was casual, with sophisticated details.

“You look beautiful,” Josiah said, taking her hand. “You wear it well. Do you like it?”

Sienna hesitated, then nodded reluctantly. She’d planned to deny it, but she couldn’t fault the outfit.

“Really? That’s great!” With a triumphant grin, Josiah wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. His expression was a mix of pride and a desire to please. “See! I know your taste. You wronged me,” he said.

To be fair, Josiah was partly to blame for the earlier misunderstanding. He’d instructed FOUR HOURS to deliver women’s clothing to Silver Beach, but hadn’t specified the style. The staff, assuming it was for the Flynn family, had sent outfits in their usual style. The store bore some responsibility, too.

Sienna, worried he might press against her stomach, tried to push him away. “People are watching.”

Josiah chuckled, holding her tighter. “Who’s watching?” The staff had tactfully left.

“Sienna,” Josiah turned her slightly, pointing to their reflection. “Look at us. Don’t we make a great couple? With your looks, not just anyone can match you.”

Are you complimenting me or yourself? You’re so full of yourself, Sienna thought.

Josiah’s tone grew serious, and he seemed shy. “I think I should… I mean, I… ”

What is it? Sienna thought, dumbfounded. Why is he stammering?

Tightening his arm around her waist, Josiah mustered his courage. “I think… I like you.”