Chapter 211

In that moment, Josiah froze, unable to move. Despite appearing dominant in his relationship with Sienna, she had always held the reins. Josiah couldn't live without her, yet she treated him with a push-and-pull indifference, as if she could walk away at any time. And now, as Sienna clung to him, it felt as though he were her entire world.

He hesitated only a moment before embracing her tightly. Her scent filled his senses.

"Josiah," she murmured.

"Huh?" he responded.

"I don't feel well. Can you take me down the mountain?" she said softly.

"Sure." Josiah glanced down at her, his hand brushing her cheek. It felt cool, as did her hands.

Without delay, he scooped her up and hurried down the mountain. He opened the car door, carefully placed her inside, and offered her water. "Drink some water."

She managed a few sips before shaking her head. Josiah wanted to ask if something had happened to her on the mountain, but her pale complexion stopped him. Instead, he gently brushed back a strand of her hair. "Close your eyes and get some rest."

"Okay," she replied, leaning back weakly and closing her eyes.

Josiah started the car, turning up the heater slightly, worried she might be cold. He drove slowly, afraid of aggravating her discomfort. Sienna's head tilted, her eyes shut as if she were drifting into a dream. He could only hear her faint, distressed murmurs. Unable to suppress his concern, he pulled over.

Taking her hand, he whispered, "Sienna, are you awake?"

She didn't respond, her murmuring continuing. "Mom… I'm sorry, I was wrong. I'm so sorry…" she mumbled.

"What does this mean? Why is Sienna apologizing to her mother—and in her sleep?" Josiah wondered. Her voice trailed off, filled with sorrow. At that moment, she was utterly heartbreaking.

He quietly embraced her, murmuring gently, "Don't cry. Your mom won't blame you." He didn't know the full story, but he believed no mother would truly blame her child, except perhaps for certain cold-hearted individuals.

In the stillness, Sienna slowly opened her eyes, gazing at him in confusion.

"You're awake?" Josiah asked, brushing her face. Her skin was warmer, which relieved him. He wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes. "You had a nightmare. I stopped to comfort you. Are you feeling better now?"

Sienna hadn't been fully asleep. Her mind had been detached. She had a vague awareness of what Josiah had done and knew he wasn't lying. She nodded slightly.

"I feel better. Let's keep going," she said.

It was already dark. Rain or snow could make the roads hazardous.

"Alright," Josiah agreed, starting the car and resuming his drive.

As they entered the city, he glanced at Sienna. "How about staying at Silver Beach tonight?"

He was genuinely worried about her.

"No," she said, frowning and shaking her head. "Take me back to Sunshine Neighborhood." She longed to see Joyce.

"Sienna…" Josiah began.

"Yes or no?" she snapped, her irritation flaring as she whipped her head toward him, her eyes blazing. "If you won't take me, stop the car, right now!" Her hand was already on the door handle.

"Okay," he said. Faced with her vehement refusal, he had no choice. He turned the car toward Sunshine Neighborhood.

A sudden silence fell. Through the rearview mirror, Josiah stole glances at Sienna, silently reminding himself to understand her. She missed her mother and wasn't in a good mood. While he was worried, he knew he needed to be patient. "What's the rush? We've only just reconciled," he thought. "Take it slow." The dynamics between men and women always improved with time.

As usual, he parked at the entrance of Sunshine Neighborhood. He wanted to walk her inside. "Sienna, let me talk to the security guard."

"There's no need," she waved him off. "Thank you for today. I'm really tired and just want some time alone. I'll call you tomorrow." She leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to his lips. "Bye-bye. Goodnight."

"Bye-bye…" The kiss left Josiah utterly dazed. A tingling warmth spread through him. He stared at her retreating figure, completely entranced. "Goodnight…" Sienna always knew how to keep him on his toes.

Initially, Josiah planned to return to Silver Beach, but being there alone, without Sienna, didn't feel right. He turned his car around and drove to the Flynn residence instead. After checking in with Linda, he went to the backyard. Howard was resting after a rehabilitation session.

"Hi, Howard," Josiah greeted, pulling out a chair.

Howard glanced at him. "Why are you back here today?"

"Just wanted to check in on you and Grandma," Josiah said. Though his tone was lighthearted, his next question was more serious. "Howard, do you know how Sienna's parents passed away?"

Unlike Josiah, Howard had been born and raised in the Flynn residence. He knew more about Sienna than Josiah did.

"Sienna's mother?" Howard frowned, recalling the details. "I heard from Grandma that it was an accident. She went missing for two days, and when they found her, she was at the bottom of a cliff in the mountains. They said she must have lost her footing and fallen."

Josiah nodded. "How old was Sienna back then?"

"Six or seven," Howard replied, his gaze narrowing. "Why are you suddenly asking about this? Have you started caring about Sienna now?"

"Well," Josiah felt a little embarrassed. "It's my responsibility to care about her. I know I have a lot to work on."

"Since when do you reflect on yourself?" A subtle expression crossed Howard's features. "Are you serious about Sienna?"

Josiah hesitated but didn't directly answer. "Howard, this is the first time I've actively pursued a woman. I'm not sure if I'm doing it perfectly, but I genuinely want to make it work with Sienna."

That alone proved his sincerity. For a moment, Howard's feelings were mixed. He gazed at Josiah with a meaningful look and sighed. "You've grown up. When a person desires stability, it's a clear sign of maturity."

Howard's thoughts drifted to Yvette, and he sighed softly. "Treat Sienna well, Josiah. I'll be waiting for your wedding."

Josiah felt flustered. "What are you talking about? You're older than me. If anyone's having a wedding first, it's you and Yvette."

"Me and Yvette?" Howard mused. A faint smile touched his lips. "Alright. It will be soon."

He reached for his cane and stood. Josiah offered support, but Howard waved him off. Nearby, Hervey was waiting.

Curious, Josiah asked, "Howard, where are you going?"

Howard sighed and frowned slightly. "Josiah, you…"