Chapter 248

Howard stood and left the lounge. It was time for him to wait by the operating room. Sienna followed silently.

"Howard," Yvette rose from the bench, linking her arm through his. "Sit down; your leg shouldn't be tired," she said.

"Sure," Howard replied.

A few steps away, Sienna observed them, feeling detached. The selfish Yvette, who had once risked her life to save the Flynn brothers, stood before her. Howard had attributed Josiah's kindness toward Yvette to gratitude. Sienna wondered about Howard's affection for Yvette: was it love, gratitude, or a blend of both?

The sky brightened. Josiah frowned, slowly opening his eyes. His arm felt heavy. He looked down to see Sienna asleep beside him, her long hair draped over her shoulders. Josiah's Adam's apple bobbed; a part of his heart sank. Sienna, a light sleeper, stirred, propping herself up.

"Awake?" Josiah smiled, teasingly genuine. "Drool's coming out. You should wipe it."

Sienna's face flushed. She raised a hand, then froze. There was no drool. "Am I that easy to fool?" she glared.

"I didn't expect you to be so gullible," Josiah chuckled.

Sienna tried to pull away, but Josiah held her. "I'm sorry! Don't leave, Sienna… stay with me!"

Sienna thought, What can I do? This man, if upset, could end up back in surgery. "I won't leave," she said. Pointing to the IV, she added, "It's almost done. I'll call the nurse to clamp it."

"Okay," Josiah reluctantly released her.

Sienna quickly returned with a nurse and caregiver. The nurse clamped the IV line; the caregiver brought food. Sienna brought over a bowl of chicken soup, shredding the chicken. She ladled a spoonful, blew on it, and offered it to Josiah. "It's not hot anymore, drink it."

Josiah obediently opened his mouth, smiling. "Delicious."

"Have some more meat," Sienna said, feeding him chicken with chopsticks. Josiah's joy grew.

"Sienna, I'm really happy," he said. "You're not giving me the cold shoulder anymore. I should have known a trip to the operating room would end your anger. I should have done it sooner."

Sienna paused, continuing to feed him. "Eat quickly, it'll get cold."

"Mm, okay." Josiah was in high spirits. When a woman gets jealous… she still won't admit she likes me! She clearly likes me, a lot. He believed he'd soon replace Cedric in her heart.

After feeding Josiah, Sienna went to the cafeteria. Returning, she found Josiah stretching his neck.

"Sienna, are you full?" he asked.

Sienna nodded and went to the sofa. Josiah frowned, Is she going to sleep on the sofa again? But Sienna returned with her sleeping pillow. She placed it beside Josiah's, climbed onto the bed, and lay down carefully. "Didn't bump you, did I?"

"No," Josiah replied firmly.

"Good." Sienna found the remote. "Since I have nothing better to do, why not watch TV? Staring at each other will be awkward."

"What do you want to watch?" she asked.

"Whatever," Josiah said.

"Choose what you like. I'll keep you company," he added.

Sienna chose a variety show. Her mind was restless; she couldn't focus on serious programs.

"Sure," Josiah agreed, pulling her into his arms.

Sienna startled, tensing. "Be careful not to tear your wound again."

"It won't," Josiah held her tight. "I want to hold you. I haven't held you in days."

Sienna let him be. Her compliance softened his heart. He tried to press his cheek against hers, then rubbed against her.

"Okay," Sienna said, annoyed. "If you get out of line, I'm getting down."

"Don't!" Josiah tightened his arm. "I'm not being out of line; I just miss you."

Sienna glanced at him. "You should hold off. If you're uncomfortable, that's on you. Why should I suffer with you?"

Josiah thought, I'm being rejected! "Sienna," he reassured her, "Wait for me. My injury will heal soon, and I won't make you uncomfortable for long."

Josiah recovered quickly. After four or five days, his wounds were healing well, though scarring was likely. While Sienna changed his clothes, she muttered something.

"What's there to be afraid of?" Josiah asked. "It's just a scar. Would you despise me for it?"

Sienna was startled, then shook her head. She remembered the mottled scars on his back. How did he get those scars? Could it be related to the kidnapping when he was a child?

Night fell. Howard, alone, prepared to visit Josiah. Miranda was unwell; Yvette was with her mother-in-law. As his car passed an intersection, a figure dashed across. Zaid slammed on the brakes.

Howard frowned. "Hervey, go check it out."

"Yes, sir!" Hervey and Zaid exited the car. Hervey returned carrying someone.

Howard's brows furrowed. "Is she seriously injured?"

"Boss, take a look, who is she?" Hervey placed the woman on the seat beside Howard.

Howard glanced over. "Who is she?"