Chapter 227

“Joyer!” Sirma was shocked by how strongly Joyce reacted.

“What’s going on here?” Tara hurried over, surprised by the tense atmosphere between Sienna and Joyce. “It’s not right for Joyce to accept gifts, but making a scene isn’t worth it. She’s so young; talk to her gently.”

“You’re right.” Sienna realized her impatience had overtaken her and she shouldn’t have directed her frustrations about Josiah at Joyce. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on Joyce’s bedroom door. “Joyce, Mommy’s coming in.”

Entering, she found Joyce curled up under her blanket. Sienna approached with a smile. “Joyce, it’s Mommy. I’m here to apologize.” Joyce lifted a corner of the blanket to reveal her big eyes.

“I’m so sorry, Joyce,” Sienna frowned, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “I shouldn’t have scolded you. Will you forgive me?”

“Mommy,” Joyce whimpered, jumping into her mother’s arms. In that moment, all the tension vanished; they were close again. Joyce added, “Please don’t scold me; it scares me.”

“I’m truly sorry,” Sienna felt a wave of regret wash over her, her heart softening. “It was my mistake, and I promise it won’t happen again.”

As they hugged, Sienna slowly steadied herself. After a moment, she gently asked, “How did you come to know Josiah?”

“I met him at Flirty Hospital,” Joyce tilted her head, recounting how she’d been bullied and how Josiah had helped her.

Sienna thought, They met so early. Was their first meeting fate?

“Joyce,” Sienna lovingly stroked her daughter’s head. “Do you really like Josiah?”

“Uh-huh!” Joyce nodded. “I do.”

“Why do you like him?”

“Because Josiah is kind to me.”

At that moment, Tara walked by, overheard, and chuckled. “What would a little kid like you know about who is kind or not!” Joyce quickly defended Josiah, “And also, he’s very handsome!”

“Oh, dear,” Tara laughed. “Just because he’s good-looking doesn’t mean he’s a good person.”

Joyce’s eyes sparkled with tears as she pleaded, “Mommy! Please believe me, Josiah is really a good person!”

“Alright, alright,” Sienna sighed. “I believe you.”

Joyce gave Tara a triumphant look before snuggling into Sienna’s arms. “Mommy’s the best!”

Tara said, “Yes, she is truly the best.”

Now that Joyce and Sienna were reconciled, Tara felt relieved and returned to her work. That evening, Sienna spent time with Joyce. Sienna looked at the Minnie hairpins neatly arranged on the bedside table, then at the red Minnie toy in the toy cabinet. She let out a quiet, heavy sigh.

When Josiah bought those gifts, he had no idea they were for his biological daughter. What a strange nature of blood ties. Even without knowing each other’s identities, the father and daughter had a special bond.

Closing her eyes, Sienna remembered how Josiah had looked at Joyce in the park. That genuine affection and tenderness were undeniable. It dawned on Sienna that Joyce would be loved by her dad in the same way her mom loved her; Joyce was clearly yearning for a father’s love.

The next day at the Lightning Dance, Rosie said, “Sienna, my design has been picked!”

“Really?” Sienna gasped with excitement. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Rosie blushed. “I was afraid of jinxing it.”

“You’re great!” Sienna looked at her with a playful glare. “Seems like Yvette really likes your design. Congratulations!”

Even though Sienna wasn’t fond of Yvette, she had to admit Yvette’s endorsement fee wasn’t cheap. For Rosie’s design to be worn at such a big event—especially at a marriage into the prestigious Flynn family—Rosie was on the brink of stardom.

Rosie’s smile lit up the room. “I’m just lucky!”

“Keep up the great work.”

“Absolutely!”

At noon, Rosie needed supplies. Since the dance troupe had been slow lately, Sienna decided to go with her. While they waited, Sienna bought some yarn. She planned to knit two sweaters—one small for Joyce, and one large for Josiah, as a thank you for his kindness. She split the yarn into two bundles, putting them in separate bags. The one for Joyce was to stay in Sunshine Neighborhood, while the one for Josiah was meant for Silver Beach.

Two days later, Josiah returned from Harbwood. Instead of going to Silver Beach, he came straight to the Lightning Dance from the airport without telling Sienna first.

“Sienna!” Just as Sienna and Rosie were leaving, they were surprised to see Josiah standing there in a camel-colored coat, smiling widely.

“Go ahead,” Rosie gently nudged Sienna, cheerfully waving goodbye. “I’ll take my leave.”

Sienna ran over to him. “You’re back? Why didn’t you let me know?”

Josiah took her hand. “I wanted to surprise you. What do you think? Do you like it?” Sienna gave a small smile, holding back her true feelings.

Josiah drew her closer. “Tonight, we’re going out to eat.”

They went to Lucky Dining. Josiah picked the dishes, saying, “Let’s start with these.” As he closed the menu, a thought occurred to him, and he added, “No ginger or cilantro.”

Sienna sipped her water, looking up in surprise. Josiah asked, “Why are you looking at me like that? Isn’t it you who doesn’t eat ginger or cilantro?” He had no such dislikes.

Sienna blinked in disbelief. “How did you know that?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Josiah raised an eyebrow. “We’ve shared countless meals for years, and I’ve noticed.” Sienna lifted her glass, taking slow sips, her emotions churning.

Josiah noticed a bag on the chair. “What’s this?”

“Don’t open!” Sienna warned, but it was too late; he’d already picked it up and opened it.