Chapter 206

As Josiah spoke, he buried his face in the crook of Sienna's neck, too shy to lift his head. He was incredibly nervous; he had never said anything so embarrassing. His heart pounded so fiercely it felt like it might leap from his throat. Meanwhile, Sienna froze, staring blankly at the mirror. All she could see was Josiah's tall frame and her own stunned expression. "What did he just say? Like me? This has got to be the biggest joke of the century," she thought. "Who would believe that? Only an idiot."

After four hours, Sienna announced she was heading back to Sunshine Neighborhood. They had only just reconciled, so Josiah was reluctant to let her go so soon. "Why are you going back? Tonight, we could…"

"I want to rest, to sleep," Sienna interrupted, leaning back with little energy.

Josiah noticed the dark circles under her eyes. "You're tired!"

"Yes," Sienna said, turning to him. "And you've had quite a role in that. So please, just let me go back and get some sleep. I haven't had a good night's rest in two days." She yawned. "I'm really tired."

Josiah, though unsatisfied, tried to be considerate. "How about sleeping at Silver Beach? The environment there is better. Your place is so…"

"Josiah," Sienna said, rolling her eyes. "Do you think that just because I agreed to reconcile, I'm supposed to treat you with smiles and sweetness immediately?"

After spending more time with him, Sienna had realized that as long as she avoided mentioning the breakup or his first crush, he was fairly easy to manage.

"If that's what you think, drop the idea. I'm still not over the day you insulted me," she stated.

"The day I…insulted you…" Josiah stammered.

"Yes?" Sienna raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that right?"

Josiah reluctantly admitted he had called her arrogant, domineering, and willful.

Sienna snorted, a smirk playing on her lips. She leaned back, closing her eyes. "Just take me back to Sunshine Neighborhood!"

"Fine." Sienna was still mad. Despite Josiah's protests, he could only agree to take her home.

When the car reached Sunshine Neighborhood's gates, Sienna stopped him. "It's okay. If you drive in, the security guards will stop you for questioning and registration. It's too much trouble." She was worried about encountering Joyce. Tara usually took Joyce for a stroll around this time, and the chances of them crossing paths were too high.

Grabbing her bag, she opened the door and jogged into the neighborhood.

"Slow down!" Josiah called, leaning out the car window. "Let me know when you're home. Call or text me."

She waved without looking back, her voice lost in the cold winter breeze.

1:37 PM

From his vantage point, he saw her wearing the fiery red down jacket from FOUR HOURS. Her long hair flowed freely in the wind. "Beautiful. Yes, absolutely stunning," Josiah muttered. He reluctantly pulled his gaze away only after she disappeared, then started the car.

He drove slowly, pondering his next move. He had planned to spend the whole day with Sienna. His thoughts were interrupted when he slammed on the brakes. "Is that who I think it is? Did I see that right?" he wondered, his heart skipping a beat.

Josiah reversed, taking a closer look. There was no doubt; it was Joyce.

Sunshine Neighborhood, nestled near the river, lacked outstanding facilities, but a large park lay adjacent. Every afternoon, Tara brought Joyce there to play, often joined by other neighborhood children. Some were with grandparents, others with nannies. The children played noisily and joyfully, while the adults chatted nearby, keeping watch. Among the children, were two girls, one of whom was Joyce. She was beautiful and charming, making her popular. A boy named Seth was trying to impress her. "Joyce, here, have some candy."

Seth offered a beautifully wrapped candy. "Is this good?" Joyce asked.

"Yeah, it's really good," Seth nodded, unwrapping it. "Joyce, open your mouth."

Joyce obediently opened her mouth.

"Is it good?" Seth asked eagerly.

"Yeah," Joyce smiled. "It's sweet and sour, really good. I've never had this kind of candy before."

"Do you like it?" Seth beamed. "I'll bring you more tomorrow. My dad brought these back from his business trip."

"We've got a lot more at home. I'll bring you two pieces tomorrow…no, five pieces…" Seth held up his chubby hands, counting awkwardly.

Joyce was puzzled. She tilted her head. "Your dad? What's a dad?"

Seth was confused. "It's just my dad!"

Joyce still didn't understand. "Do you mean it's just like having Mom at home?"

Seth was about to answer when a voice interrupted. "Come here, Seth."

Seth looked up. "Hi, Mom." He waved to Joyce. "My mom's here to pick me up. I'll come back to play with you tomorrow and bring candy."

"Goodbye, Joyce." He ran off.

Joyce stood there, utterly confused, when a tall figure appeared, crouching down. It was Josiah, who had seen her from the car and turned around.

"Hi, Joyce."

"Hello," Joyce said.

Josiah smiled. "You're the one who…wrote me the letters and bought me strawberry milk. Sir, hello."

"Good job," Josiah said, ruffling her hair gently.

Joyce wore a cute bear hat with plush cars. She looked adorable, but unhappy.

"Joyce, what's wrong?" Josiah asked. He had unusual patience with Joyce. "Why aren't you happy?"

"Sir, I'm not unhappy," Joyce replied, shaking her head. Her expression was a mix of confusion and seriousness. "Sir, does every child have a mom and…a dad?"

Josiah was surprised. "Of course," he replied, nodding.

"Then…" Joyce continued, "Are moms and dads a pair?"

"Yes," Josiah replied, suppressing a smile. Joyce asking this question is just too cute, he thought. "With a mom and dad, that's how you were born, Joyce," he explained. But why is she asking this? Josiah wondered.