Chapter 244

“Ah!” Zaid was startled. “Ms. Shaw…”

“Zaid, don’t be nervous,” Sienna smiled, explaining. “You go ahead first. I went straight to the dance troupe from the hospital this morning. I’ll take a shower and change clothes. If Josiah asks, just tell him I’ll be there a bit later.”

“Oh, I see.” Zaid sighed in relief. “Then I’ll take the suitcase over first. Give me a call before you leave, and I’ll pick you up.”

“Thank you, Zaid.”

“You’re welcome,” Zaid replied.

After seeing Zaid off, Sienna went upstairs, chose some clothes, and headed to the bathroom. Her earlier statement wasn't an excuse; she genuinely needed to freshen up.

While blow-drying her hair after her shower, Sienna yawned repeatedly, tears welling from exhaustion. Overcome with sleepiness, she felt lightheaded and collapsed onto the bed the moment she left the bathroom.

Sleep overwhelmed her instantly. ‘I’ll just sleep for a bit,’ she thought, ‘I really can’t hold on any longer.’ She closed her eyes and drifted off.

Zaid delivered the suitcase to the ward, where a nurse was changing Josiah’s IV. He glanced behind Zaid, but not seeing Sienna, asked, “Why are you here alone? Where’s Sienna?”

“Ms. Shaw couldn’t come,” Zaid relayed Sienna’s message. “She’ll be here later.” He carried the suitcase to the wardrobe, adding, “I’ve put the things away.”

“Mm-hmm,” Josiah nodded, his brow furrowing slightly, his unease growing.

As dusk settled, Sienna still hadn’t arrived. Unable to sit still, he called her. It took two tries before she answered.

“Hello?” Sienna mumbled sleepily. “Who is it? What’s up?”

“Sienna,” Josiah guessed, hearing her voice. “Are you sleeping?”

“Mm-hmm…” Sienna was still half-asleep. “I’m really tired. Is there something you need?”

Josiah hesitated. “Nothing, then… you sleep.”

“Okay.” She hung up without a goodbye.

“Sienna,” Josiah called out, his phone still in his hand, confirming the disconnected call. Anger surged. Sienna wasn’t coming back. He raised his arm and smashed his new phone onto the ground. It shattered with a crackle.

Zach opened the door at that moment, quickly approaching Josiah. Knowing the reason for his upset, Zach called a caretaker to clean up, saying, “Mr. Flynn, I’ll go get Sienna right away.” He started to leave.

“Stop!” Josiah called him back.

His face darkened. “Who gave you permission to take matters into your own hands? Sienna is sleeping, and you’re not allowed to disturb her rest.”

Zach was astonished. Is Mr. Flynn serious? he thought. He’s injured, and Sienna, his girlfriend, should be here. He must feel the same way, yet he’s worried about her sleep? Besides, is it even possible to sleep in this hospital room?

Josiah looked at Zach. “Sienna didn’t sleep well last night. Don’t bother her. It’s more comfortable at home than in the hospital. Let her sleep.”

“Yes, sir,” Zach agreed.

Sienna slept until the next morning, not even getting up to eat. After a restful sleep, she felt refreshed. Downstairs, the housekeeper had prepared breakfast. Sienna ate leisurely, checked the time, and realized it was time for the hospital.

She didn’t call Zaid. She took the bus and then the subway, taking her time.

Early that morning at the hospital, Howard and Yvette had arrived, just as the doctor was making his rounds.

“Mr. Flynn, there’s no serious issue. He just needs to stay for a few more days and continue with the regular treatment,” the doctor said.

“Thank you for your hard work,” Howard replied.

“You’re welcome,” the doctor said. As soon as he left, Yvette looked around, frowning. “Where is Sienna? She’s not here for the doctor’s rounds? She didn’t hear the instructions! How is she supposed to take care of you!”

Josiah furrowed his brows. “She didn’t rest well the day before yesterday. I let her go home to sleep last night.”

“What?” Yvette was shocked. “You let her go home! And she… she really went!”

“Mm-hmm,” Josiah responded indifferently.

Yvette sneered. “How interesting! Her boyfriend is in the hospital, and she’s at ease.”

“Yvette,” Howard interjected, “Sienna really is tired.”

“Why are you making excuses for her?” Yvette turned to Howard. “Josiah is confused, and are you confused too? He’s bewitched! I can’t believe you can’t see it. Sienna’s heart isn’t with Josiah at all. His feelings for her are one-sided. As his older brother, you should advise him to stop while he’s ahead. Don’t let him misplace his true feelings.”

As she spoke, the door clicked open, and Sienna walked in. Yvette stopped abruptly, and the ward fell silent.

Sienna smiled. “Good morning, Howard, good morning.”

“Good morning,” Howard responded softly. He glanced at Yvette and rose with his cane.

“Now that Sienna’s here, let’s go,” Howard said, offering his arm to Yvette.

Yvette glared at him lightly, taking his arm. “Alright, I’ll do as you say.”

Howard patted her hand, looking at Sienna and teasing, “With you taking care of Josiah, we won’t disturb you. He’s been missing you all night. He was so persistent, I almost got tired of hearing it.”

Sienna, not picking up on his words, watched them leave. She turned to Josiah, staring at his handsome, pale face, pursing her lips.

“Sorry, I just wanted to rest yesterday, but I was so tired I couldn’t get up. How was your night?”

Josiah looked at her quietly. Her words were fine—an explanation, an apology, and concern. But he felt something was missing. She was there, yet distant. He frowned. “It’s fine. I won’t die.”

Sienna chuckled. A knock came; it was the nurse. What kind of answer is that? Is he upset? Sienna thought.

“Ms. Shaw,” the nurse asked, “Excuse me, has Mr. Flynn had breakfast? He can’t have an IV on an empty stomach.”

“No!” Josiah spoke before Sienna could answer.

Sienna looked at him in surprise. “It’s already this late. Haven’t you eaten anything?”

Josiah gave a self-mocking laugh. “My girlfriend just got here, right? And it looks like you came empty-handed. What am I supposed to eat?”