Chapter 237

Shortly after Josiah left, the medication arrived. That evening, Joyce took her dose and showed clear improvement; the only side effect was a burst of energy. It was past 11:30, and normally Joyce would have been fast asleep, but tonight she was restless and refused to sleep.

"Joyce," Sienna gently patted the bed. "Come here and sleep with Mommy."

"Alright," Joyce happily crawled onto the bed, her eyes wide open and a cheeky grin on her face.

Sienna chuckled. "It's time to sleep!"

Joyce continued her playful antics, while Sienna and Tara took turns trying to calm her down, but nothing worked. Suddenly, Tara's phone rang. It was Josiah, who, spending another sleepless night alone, had decided to check on Joyce. "Has she taken the medication? How is Joyce doing?"

Tara glanced at the lively Joyce and replied, "She's doing well, maybe too well—she won't go to sleep."

"Is that Josiah?" Joyce sat up and reached for the phone. "I want to talk to Josiah!"

"Alright," Tara smiled, handing her the phone.

"Hello, Josiah."

Hearing Joyce's voice confirmed the medication was working. Josiah's face relaxed, and a smile appeared. "It's pretty late; why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Josiah, I'm looking at the moon! Such a beautiful moon."

"Is that so?" Josiah moved to the window and looked up at the crescent moon, delicate and slim like a little boat. "Joyce, you need to sleep; even the moon has to sleep."

"You're lying!" Joyce said. "The moon is in the sky, how can it sleep?"

Josiah rubbed his forehead, amused. "Then how about this, I'll invite the moon down to keep you company so you can sleep together."

"Really?" Joyce sounded doubtful.

"Really," Josiah said earnestly. "Just wait a moment; soon the moon will come to keep you company."

"Okay!" Joyce was excited. "I'll wait." After hanging up, Joyce's big eyes sparkled. "Mommy, Josiah said he'll bring the moon to keep me company while I sleep!"

"I heard that," Sienna sighed, silently wondering what kind of mischief Josiah was up to. Joyce was already lively enough, and he wasn't helping. Now, Joyce was solely focused on waiting for the moon and even less willing to sleep. With no other option, Sienna grabbed a picture book and began to read a story. Joyce listened closely, occasionally glancing at the door.

Before long, there was a knock. The night nurse led the way, followed by a delivery person. The nurse smiled. "Joyce, your delivery has arrived."

Tara stepped forward, casting a cautious glance at Joyce. "Did Josiah really send the moon!"

The delivery contained a lamp. Small and simple, it seemed ordinary until the switch was flipped, and a moon—or more precisely, a moon-like light—enveloped the entire bed. Joyce's happiness was clear as she pulled Sienna closer. "Mommy, look! The moon! Josiah sent me a moon!"

The delivery person explained, "This lamp can be adjusted from a new moon to a full moon; it's all touchscreen controlled."

"Amazing!" Tara was impressed. "How thoughtful of Josiah!"

After the delivery person left, Joyce obediently settled down in Sienna's arms. Sienna playfully pinched her nose. "Are you going to sleep now you have the moon to keep you company?"

"Yes," Joyce cuddled up to Sienna, thoroughly satisfied.

"Close your eyes," Sienna urged, kissing her daughter gently. "Time to sleep, Joyce. Dream alongside the moon."

Joyce closed her eyes obediently, her long lashes fluttering gently. Her voice was muffled. "If only… if only Josiah were my daddy."

At that moment, Sienna felt a jolt. She looked at her daughter and realized Joyce truly liked Josiah that much. As her daughter drifted into a peaceful sleep, Sienna found herself lost in thought, unable to find rest.

The next day, Sienna didn't ask Josiah to pick her up from the Lightning Dance; he had a dinner engagement. She made her way to Silver Beach alone. As she left the hospital, Brayden told her that Joyce's condition had stabilized, and after tomorrow's treatment, she would be ready to go home. Sienna knew it was thanks to Josiah's medication.

She returned to Silver Beach earlier than usual. Passing the market, Sienna decided to stop and buy a few items. When Josiah came home, he was greeted by a sweet smell from the kitchen. Surprisingly, he spotted Sienna there. He changed direction and headed toward the delicious scent. Sienna, wearing an apron and with her hair pulled back in a casual bun, was busy at work.

No matter how she presented herself, her beauty was captivating. Yet Josiah frowned, clearly displeased. "Why are you doing all this? Where is the maid? Haven't you eaten by this hour?"

"You're back," Sienna looked up briefly, smoothing her hair. "She finished her tasks, and I let her leave early." She smiled, understanding his misunderstanding. "I prepared dinner before leaving; I've already eaten."

"Is that so!" Josiah replied, puzzled as he studied her. "Then what are you doing?" Her outfit clearly suggested she was cooking. "I'm making something for you," Sienna said gently.

"For me?"

Sienna nodded. "It will be ready soon." She turned off the stove and lifted the lid from a pot.

Curious, Josiah edged closer to see a steamed pear inside.

"Aren't you feeling a bit under the weather?" Sienna explained, "I bought the pear from the market on my way back, then I steamed it. When I was little and had a cough, my grandma would steam pears for me, and I'd feel better afterward."

When she looked up, she found Josiah staring at her, speechless.

"What's the matter?" Sienna asked, confused. "Don't you believe me?"

Josiah suddenly bent down, lifting her into his arms. "Sienna, thank you for what you've done."

Sienna was surprised. "It's no trouble at all; it doesn't take much effort."

Unable to hold back his smile, Josiah appreciated the gesture; it was rare for Sienna to show such thoughtfulness.

"Sienna," Josiah cradled her chin gently. "Do you have feelings for me?" He remembered her past affection for Cedric—she might not have moved on yet. But he still asked tentatively. "Are you starting to like me now?"