Chapter 261

When Sienna returned to the apartment, Joyce was still asleep. Thra was busy in the kitchen, so Sienna, carrying a bag of medicine, went to the bathroom to perform the test. She’d bought three different brands and used them all. Fifteen minutes later, all three tests yielded the same result—positive.

Sienna bit her lip, her heart rate quickening slightly. After the last mix-up, she wasn't about to get her hopes up too soon. Gently placing her hands on her belly, she silently prayed, "Please, let me be pregnant."

She opened the bathroom door, hearing Joyce call, "Mom? Where are you?"

Sienna smiled and stepped out. "Mommy's here," she said.

Joyce, clutching her red Minnie Mouse doll, came running over, her hair in a messy tangle. Sienna bent down, scooped her up, and kissed her cheek. "How about I do your hair, Joyce?"

"Sure!" Joyce giggled. "Make it into little buns!"

"No problem," Sienna replied. She carried Joyce to the bedroom, seated her on a chair, and began brushing her hair. She divided it into two sections, preparing to make little buns on each side, like a cute little elf.

"Mom," Joyce suddenly asked, hugging Minnie Mouse close, "are you and Dad not together anymore? Are you both going to be apart?"

Sienna froze, surprised and confused. "Why would you ask that?" she thought. "She's so young. Does she even understand what that means?"

"Because Dad has never come to our house," Joyce said, tilting her head and frowning. "Seth said that when this happens, it means Mom and Dad are separated."

Seth, a caring boy from the neighborhood, was Joyce's playmate. He had explained the concept of "separated parents" to her.

Sienna felt Joyce growing up too fast, making it increasingly difficult to avoid these difficult questions. "Joyce," she said, tying the little buns and hugging her close, "Dad and Mom aren't living together anymore, for some reason."

"Maybe later?" Joyce looked up, blinking.

"Where did she get all this cleverness?" Sienna thought. The question caught her off guard. "Later…" she said carefully, "I don't know yet. I can't make that decision alone."

"Why not?" Joyce's eyes widened. "Is it because Dad doesn't want to?"

Sienna broke into a cold sweat, completely unprepared. "Don't be sad, Mom," Joyce immediately said, her little face full of concern. "You have me, and I'll always be with you."

"That's so sweet," Sienna said, her heart melting. Relieved, she grabbed Minnie Mouse hairpins from the table and clipped them into Joyce's hair, one on each side. "You're so pretty, Joyce."

Just then, Tara called, "Sienna, Joyce! Time to eat!"

"Let's go," Sienna said, scooping Joyce up. "I'm hungry. How about you, Joyce?"

"I am!" Joyce chirped.

After breakfast, Sienna and Tara took Joyce to the city center, heading straight for a children's clothing store. They took advantage of the double holiday sales and bought quite a lot.

Tara clicked her tongue in admiration. "The quality of kids' clothes nowadays is great, and the prices are so cheap. Kids these days really have it good, huh?"

They didn't go home for lunch but found a restaurant in TeeMall. They each ordered a set meal, and Joyce had a kids' set.

While waiting for their food, Sienna stood to go to the bathroom and asked Joyce, "Do you want to come with me?"

"Nope," Joyce replied.

"Then be a good girl and stay with Tara, okay?" Sienna said.

"Got it!" Joyce nodded eagerly.

Meanwhile, Josiah was with a business partner, preparing to go to a restaurant upstairs. As they walked past a window, he spotted Joyce sitting in a child's chair, swinging her legs.

Josiah couldn't help but smile. "Excuse me, Mr. Bennett. I just saw an old friend. I'll go say hello."

"Of course, Mr. Flynn," Adrian replied.

Josiah nodded and entered the restaurant.

"Hi, Mr. Flynn," Tara said, standing up to greet him.

He spotted Joyce sitting by the window. "Hi," Josiah smiled, then turned to Joyce. "Hey, Joyce. It's so good to see you again!"

"Mr. Flynn!" Joyce, strapped into the child's chair, waved her arms excitedly. Josiah laughed and lifted her up. He looked her over carefully; she seemed to be in good spirits. "Joyce, have you been okay lately?" The question was directed at Joyce but really meant for Tara.

"I've been fine!" Joyce said.

Tara answered, "Since Joyce was discharged from the hospital, she's been taking her medicine on time, and she's been getting her shots every few days. Everything's been going well. We owe it all to you."

Josiah gently squeezed Joyce's hand. "I'm glad to hear she's doing well."

"Mr. Flynn," Joyce snuggled into his arms, whispering, "Do you have a girlfriend?"

Josiah froze, raising an eyebrow.

Joyce pouted and continued, "Can I introduce one to you, Mr. Flynn? Would that be okay?"

Josiah was taken aback. "Mr. Flynn!" Joyce seemed worried he'd refuse. "It's my mom! She's super pretty, just like me. Actually, she's even more beautiful than me! Mom just went to the bathroom, so just wait for her. She'll be back soon!"

"Joyce!" Tara, overhearing, blushed with embarrassment. "Don't say things like that!"

"I'm not saying anything wrong!" Joyce puffed out her chest. "Don't you believe me, Mr. Flynn?"

Josiah chuckled. "Of course, I believe you, Joyce, but…" He smiled, thinking of Sienna. "I already have a girlfriend."

Joyce's big eyes filled with disappointment. "I see."

"Joyce, I have to go now. I've got something to take care of." Josiah gently placed Joyce back in her chair, bent down, and patted her little bun. "See you."

"See you, Mr. Flynn," Joyce said.

Soon after, Sienna returned. Seeing Joyce's downcast face, she looked at Tara, confused. "What happened?"

Tara tried to suppress her laughter. "We ran into Mr. Flynn. Joyce decided she wanted to play matchmaker and introduced you to him, but Mr. Flynn already has a girlfriend."

Sienna thought, "Was Josiah here?" Joyce was pouting, clearly upset. Sienna's heart ached and softened. She gently patted Joyce's head. "Do you know what that means, Joyce?"

"I do," Joyce said, lifting her chin proudly. "I want Mr. Flynn to be my dad."

Sienna froze, her back stiffening. She hadn't expected Joyce to like Josiah to this extent. Then she heard Joyce sigh sadly. "Mr. Flynn already has a girlfriend, so he can't be my dad anymore."

The food arrived, and Tara quickly changed the subject. "Alright, no more talking. Let's eat!"

Sienna tied a bib around Joyce's neck, looking at her soft little face. Her thoughts drifted to her belly. Maybe she and Josiah already had two children.

On Monday, Sienna went to the television station to meet the production team. They discussed the show's format, her responsibilities, and her salary.

A crew member said, "Ms. Shaw, you'll be in charge of Group A. The list is on the last page."

"Got it," Sienna nodded, flipping to the last page. The first name on the list was clearly written—Yvette Young.