Chapter 233

Sienna couldn't hold back her laughter.

"Is it funny?" Josiah didn't understand her amusement.

"Not exactly," Sienna tried to stifle her laughter, but the smile in her eyes betrayed her. "Josiah, you've accidentally revealed your thoughts. Are you aware of that?"

"What thoughts?" Josiah looked confused.

Sienna let out a soft breath. "By your own logic, you treat Yvette best; whatever she wants, you give her. She is your true love."

"Sienna," Josiah's face darkened as he tried to interrupt.

Sienna didn't back down. She raised an eyebrow. "Are you getting upset? Can you not handle the truth?"

She reached up and adjusted his slightly rumpled tie. "Josiah, do you really think that just because you can't marry the one you love, marriage is something you just settle for?"

She smiled as she neatly straightened his tie. Josiah looked down and gently took hold of her fingers. "Can you please take this seriously? Our situation has nothing to do with Yvette! Why do you keep bringing her up?"

Sienna's lips curved into a slight smile as she suppressed her laughter. "Alright then, let me be clear. I will not marry you."

"Why?" Josiah squinted at her. "Is it because you think I don't love you?"

Of course not. She didn't really care if he loved her or not, but she couldn't say that.

Sienna looked at him in disbelief. "Aren't you the one who can't figure out whether you love me or not? In this situation, talking about marriage seems far too soon. Am I just a pet you can treat so casually?"

Josiah paused. "I didn't mean it like that; I just…" He had never loved anyone. He genuinely didn't understand what love was.

"Stop thinking about it," Sienna said, smoothing his tie and then letting go. "Please take me to the Lightning Dance."

"Alright."

Silence filled the car during the drive. When they arrived at the Lightning Dance, Sienna unbuckled her seatbelt. "Sienna," Josiah leaned closer and hugged her.

Sienna clutched her bag, a slight smile on her lips. "If we stay any longer, I'll be late."

"Sienna, give me a little time…" Josiah gently stroked her hair. "I promise I'll give you a clear answer about what you want. You should go in now." He released her.

"Oh." Sienna was momentarily speechless as she got out of the car. Even after it drove away, she stood there, feeling confused. What did he think she desired? Did he even understand what he was saying?

She didn't have time to ponder this further, because Joyce was about to be admitted to the hospital for a routine check-up, involving numerous tests and a three-to-five-day stay. Children are much more attached to familiar objects and smells, so having their usual things with them during hospitalization is crucial.

In the two days leading up to Joyce's admission, Sienna and Tara were busy preparing, even requesting time off from the troupe to help.

That morning, after Josiah dropped her off at the Lightning Dance, Sienna slipped out the back, took a cab, and hurried to Sunshine Neighborhood, where Tara and Joyce were waiting.

"Mommy's here!" Joyce jumped into Sienna's arms, and Sienna hugged her daughter while Tara carried the luggage to the hospital.

After completing the paperwork and settling into the hospital room, Brayden arrived with a nurse to conduct Joyce's physical examination.

"Fantastic," Brayden ruffled Joyce's hair and gave her a thumbs-up. "Joyce has been taking her medicine regularly, hasn't she?"

"Yes," Joyce nodded eagerly, leaning against Sienna, her voice endearing. "I am a good girl!"

"You are wonderful," Brayden smiled and produced a fairy wand. "Look, what do we have here?"

"Wow!" Joyce's eyes lit up. "Is that for me?"

"Indeed," Brayden nodded. "But not yet; if you want it, you must do really well during the check-up today."

The examination involved blood tests and scans, quite challenging for a three-year-old.

Joyce nodded confidently. "I will be good!"

"Such a good girl," Brayden said to Sienna. "A nurse will stay with her. If Joyce feels uncomfortable, let me know immediately."

"Thank you."

"Not at all, it's my job."

Sienna lifted Joyce. "Let's go; it's time for your check-up."

The process took the entire morning. Joyce soon grew tired, resting against Sienna, who felt a pang of sympathy. "Joyce, are you hungry? What would you like for lunch?"

Joyce replied, "I want Mommy's cheesy sweet potatoes." Tara also knew the recipe, but Joyce insisted on Sienna's cooking. "Alright. Mommy will go home to prepare it for you." Sienna placed Joyce in Tara's care. "Remember to give Joyce water frequently, but small amounts at a time."

"Okay."

After ensuring everything was alright, Sienna hurried to Sunshine Neighborhood. Tara remained in the examination room with Joyce, waiting for the final check-up.

"Joyce, just hang in there; it'll be over soon. Once this is done, Mommy will bring your cheesy sweet potatoes."

"Mm-hmm."

"Joyce!" The nurse called. "It's our turn; let's go inside."

After the final examination, Joyce leaned against Tara, upset. "Tara, I want Mommy!"

Tara's eyes filled with tears. Just then, Josiah appeared. He was visiting Yvette, who was being discharged, and had come to the outpatient clinic for medication. He hadn't expected to see Joyce so sad.

Tara looked up. "Josiah?"

"Josiah!" Joyce reached out her arms, her tear-filled eyes pleading for a hug. "Hug!"

Josiah couldn't refuse. Even Tara didn't object; she could see Joyce liked him. She thought, Let him comfort Joyce. Little Joyce looks so pitiful!

"Be a good girl, Joyce," Josiah cradled her and turned to Tara. "What's wrong with Joyce?"