Chapter 250

Rose and Daniel, a perfect match in their prime, were once the envy of everyone. Their families were well-suited, and the elders eagerly anticipated their marriage. Everything seemed idyllic; Rose envisioned a simple life together, marriage, children, and an ordinary existence. However, on her wedding day, fate dealt a cruel blow.

On their wedding night, Rose and Daniel shared a passionate encounter. At dawn, the bridal suite door lay open, revealing a disturbing scene. Rose lay in bed, sparsely clothed, with unmistakable evidence of a sexual encounter: mottled marks on her body, a torn wedding dress, a bloodstain on the sheet, and a lingering intimate atmosphere. Everything pointed to a brutal violation.

Rose would never forget Daniel's grotesque expression as he said, "Rosie, you're so dirty!" She was bewildered, realizing she had lost her virginity to a stranger on her wedding night—a stranger who had vanished before she awoke. The ensuing humiliation and ostracism from both families were unbearable. Shame, uncleanliness—these became her defining labels. She had inexplicably entered the wrong bridal suite. Having lost her innocence, she also lost the happiness within her grasp. Her world shattered.

Sienna listened, sighing deeply. For a long time, she remained silent, contemplating the hardships Rose, seemingly optimistic and independent, had endured. With moist eyes, she finally asked in a hoarse voice, "So, how… are you still together?"

Sienna found it illogical. She reasoned, "Who would want to wear a green hat on their wedding night? Shouldn't he have divorced you then?"

Rose choked back tears. "At first, Daniel said he didn't mind. Compared to the incident, he was more unwilling to lose me. But later…" She trailed off, leaving Sienna to infer the rest. Daniel, unable to overcome the psychological barrier, had sought solace and revenge outside their marriage.

Rose sobbed, covering her face. "Sienna, I hate… I really hate…" Sienna surmised that Rose hated the man who had violated her. Gently wiping Rose's tears, Sienna asked, "Rosie, have you ever considered a divorce?"

Rose was stunned, clearly not having considered it. Sienna pressed, "Being together is mutual torture. Since you're unhappy, why continue?"

Rose shook her head. "I don't know. I haven't thought about it."

"You should. You're still young. Don't trap yourself in a dead marriage," Sienna urged.

A few days later, Josiah's IV was discontinued. "You can take oral medication now," the doctor announced.

Josiah, eager to leave the hospital, immediately asked, "Can I be discharged?"

"It's safer to stay a couple more days," the doctor advised.

"No need," Josiah insisted. "If I lie down any longer, I'll start to mold!"

Sienna secretly rolled her eyes. Mold? Does he think I'm blind? Despite his hospitalization, Zach continued handling official business daily, IV in tow. Isn't that Mr. Flyme? The doctor, conceding, warned, "Mr. Flynn, take your medication on time, avoid strenuous exercise, and rest thoroughly."

Zach agreed and proceeded with his discharge. Following Miranda's suggestion, they returned to the Flynn residence, where the convenience of maids and cooks proved beneficial.

There, Sienna discovered that Howard had a three-year-old child living with the family. Josiah nodded understandingly. "Yes, that's the reason for the argument between my brother…"

Sienna was speechless. Yvette's recent complaints about Howard's wrongdoing were confirmed. The child's age indicated this wasn't a recent development. Appearances can be deceiving, Sienna mused. Howard, so refined and restrained, has done this?

While this didn't concern her, it made her think of Joyce. She looked at Josiah, thinking, These two brothers are truly alike, both irresponsible when it comes to children.

Josiah, sensing her gaze, said uneasily, "I only have you. I haven't had a child with anyone else."

Sienna curled her lips but remained silent. Josiah led her upstairs, pulling her into their bedroom. "Sienna, help me change my clothes," he said.

"The doctor said your wound has healed," Sienna retorted.

"It's closed, but not fully healed," Josiah corrected, placing a hand on her waist. "It's still fragile. I need your help."

"Don't get so close," Sienna complained, "Stand still, or change it yourself."

"What's wrong?" Josiah persisted, noticing her blush. "Embarrassed? Because of my…"

"Josiah!" Sienna was both angry and embarrassed. "Can you be serious for once!"

"How can I not be serious with my girlfriend?" Josiah held her hand against his waist. "Your face is red. Do you like my abs?"

"Let go!" Sienna demanded.

"Do you or don't you like them?" Josiah pressed.

"Like what?" Sienna rolled her eyes. "You've been in the hospital so long, your abs are loose and flabby. What's there to…"

Josiah was surprised. "Really?"

"Really! I don't think so," Sienna retorted, poking his abs. "They feel fine to me, not loose at all." She escaped, saying, "Change it yourself! I'm leaving!"

Josiah tried to stop her, but Sienna fled downstairs, overhearing voices from the parlor.

"Bobby, Mommy made you some snacks, come and eat them," someone said.

"I don't want to! You're not my mommy!" the child replied.