Chapter 232

The caller was Chester. Even through the phone, Chester sensed Josiah's unhappiness; his anger was subtle, carefully concealed. In recent days, Chester and the others had noticed a significant shift in Josiah's feelings toward Sienna. Previously, Sienna had pursued Josiah; now, the roles were reversed.

"Mr. Flynn," Chester began, feeling compelled to offer advice. "Even if you're upset, please don't take it out on Sienna. Girls need comfort." Knowing Josiah's temper, Chester understood that even minor annoyances could trigger his anger. No girl, not just Sienna, would tolerate such behavior.

Chester hesitated. "You're clearly at a disadvantage now."

"How so?" Surprisingly, Josiah kept his irritation in check and asked for guidance.

"Think about it," Chester said plainly. "Mr. Brawne just had surgery because of Sienna. What do girls want? They want to feel loved and valued. At this moment, you can't afford to lose any more points."

"What nonsense is this?" Josiah growled, his frustration evident. "She's being fickle and unreasonable; she should be asking my forgiveness!"

After ending the call, Josiah lost his appetite for breakfast. He left Silver Bleach and headed for the hospital.

The hospital room was quiet. Sienna had arrived early to see Cedric before her work shift. Cedric's parents were absent.

"Cedric," Sienna said, sitting beside him and placing a basket of fruit beside him. "How did the surgery go?"

"Very well," Cedric assured her, raising his arm. "Don't worry, no nerves were harmed." He wiggled his fingers to demonstrate.

"That's a relief," Sienna exhaled, finally at ease. She apologized. "I'm so sorry for what happened last night… leaving you behind was terrible."

"Not at all," Cedric smiled, shaking his head. "I understand; it's clear Josiah cares deeply about you." However, he looked a bit worried. "He didn't give you a hard time afterward, did he? You didn't argue?"

"No," Sienna shook her head gently, smiling. "Please don't worry about me. I'm okay."

Cedric hesitated, looking down with a gentle smile. "Oh, that's good to hear. I'm glad."

Sienna stood up. "You should rest well. I'll take my leave now."

"Alright."

"Goodbye, Cedric."

"Goodbye, Sienna."

As Sienna turned, she sighed deeply and opened the hospital door. Outside, Josiah stood leaning against the corridor railing, watching her quietly. Sienna's heart skipped a beat; her brow furrowed as she approached him.

He had followed her. She had been caught, precisely where he wanted her.

Stopping before him, she lifted her chin, meeting his gaze directly as she took a deep breath. "This is a hospital; let's talk outside, shall we?"

"Very well," Josiah raised an eyebrow and turned to lead the way. As Sienna watched his back, a heavy feeling settled in her chest. He seemed upset, and his unnervingly calm demeanor only increased her anxiety.

What is he planning? Is he going to break up with me? Sienna frowned, feeling completely lost.

Josiah's car was parked downstairs. Once inside, silence descended between them. The hospital was still relatively quiet. Josiah popped a throat lozenge into his mouth.

Finally breaking the silence, Sienna said, "Cedric was hurt because of me. If he has any lasting problems, I won't…"

Josiah remained silent, lost in thought. Sienna hesitated and continued. "I came to see him today, but I won't be coming back again."

"Sienna," Josiah suddenly interrupted, grabbing her hand. Surprised, Sienna looked at him. He met her gaze with a toothy smile. "Let's get married."

Sienna was stunned, her mind going blank. It felt like a bolt of lightning.

Sienna blinked. "What did you just say?"

"Didn't catch that?" Josiah leaned closer until their foreheads touched. "I said, let's get married. Sienna, let us marry, shall we?"

Sienna's secret visit to Cedric might upset him, but she never imagined it would lead to this. "Are you sure you're asking the right question?"

Finally regaining her composure, Sienna smiled wryly. "At this moment, shouldn't you be questioning why I went to see Cedric?"

"You heard me right. And I didn't misspeak," Josiah held her hand tightly, compromising. "You and Cedric were forced apart; you can't forget him so easily—I accept that!"

Sienna was amazed. Did he really believe this? Even more confusing was his desire to marry me despite feeling this way!

She asked, "Josiah, is marriage just a trivial matter to you?" Suddenly, she remembered their first marriage, which had felt trivial to him.

"Sienna," Josiah gently raised his hand, cradling her cheek. "I want to marry you. Let's live a good life together."

"It's okay if you don't like me now, but once we're married, could you maybe redirect your feelings for Cedric toward me? Please, Sienna, let me be your husband."

He suddenly opened his arms and hugged her tightly. "Sienna, please don't leave me! I want to be your husband and share a life with you forever! Let's marry, shall we?"

Crushed against him, Sienna felt suffocated. Fear surged within her, and she pushed against him. "Please, calm down a bit, alright?"

"I am calm," Josiah said, loosening his embrace slightly. "What makes you think…"

Sienna rubbed her forehead in frustration. Gathering her thoughts, she asked, "Let me ask you… do you love me?"

An instant silence surrounded Josiah.

Sienna chuckled softly as she freed herself from his arms. "Marriage is an agreement made by two people who are in love, who want to share their lives together. You can't even answer that question, yet you're eager to marry?"

She added, "We've already made one mistake; why repeat it?"

Josiah frowned, offering no reply.

"Rest assured. I'll pretend I didn't hear your earlier words and won't take them to heart." She motioned for him to drive. "First, take me to the Lightning Dance; then you can go to the office."

Josiah suddenly grasped her wrist, his expression like a child earnestly seeking knowledge, his eyes filled with confusion. "What must I do for it to be considered love for you?"

He frowned slightly, questioning her while muttering to himself. "I treat you well, giving you the best food and clothing, fulfilling your every wish; do these actions not count as love? Surely they do, don't they?"