Chapter 279
Josiah had a terrifying incident. Half an hour earlier, while descending from his office to the underground parking garage, someone suddenly lunged at him, wielding a machete without warning. Thankfully, his injuries were minor. On the way to the hospital, Sienna clasped her hands, her lips pressed tight, appearing calm. Internally, however, her mind racedโperhaps her chance had finally arrived.
Upon reaching the hospital, Yvette appeared, and both women hurried into the emergency room. "This way," James guided them. Sienna saw Josiah. The curtains around his bed were drawn back, revealing him looking mostly fine, his left arm raised and his forearm bandaged. Just as James had said, his injuries were superficial.
"Josiah!" Both women exclaimed simultaneously, and Josiah turned to look at them. As Yvette approached, Sienna grabbed her arm firmly, offering a small smile. "He's my boyfriend, so pleaseโ" She released Yvette, who looked utterly bewildered, and dashed toward him.
"Don't run!" Josiah warned, frowning. Pregnant women shouldn't exert themselves like that. But Sienna ignored his warning, jogging to him and leaping into his arms, embracing him tightly. Josiah was startled, stumbling slightly in surprise. "What's wrong?"
Sienna, startled, lifted her faceโher brow furrowed, her eyes red. "Did I hurt you?"
"No, noโฆ" Josiah stammered, taken aback by her sudden affection, a lump forming in his throat. They had argued that very morning; he thought their reconciliation would take time. Yet here she was, in his arms. Her concern was evidentโshe didn't seem indifferent at all.
Seeing her effort to care for him, he seized the opportunity to mend things. "I'm fine," he assured her, wrapping an arm around her waist and raising his bandaged arm. "It's just the arm."
"Just the arm?" Sienna looked doubtful, scrutinizing him closely. "Let me see!"
Josiah spread his arms wide as she turned him around, letting out an amused sigh. "I promise, it's nothing seriousโฆ" He had two bodyguards, Chester and James; during the attack, Chester had protected him and sustained minor injuries himself, tending to them in a nearby room.
Josiah shot James an annoyed look. "What did I tell you! Haven't you explained this to Sienna? What if you scared her? She's pregnant."
"Iโฆ" James protested, feeling unjustly accused. "I told her your injuries weren't severe."
"Well, that's goodโฆ" Sienna sighed in relief, but suddenly placed a hand on her stomach.
"Sienna!" Josiah exclaimed, rushing to support her, his eyes full of concern. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"
Sienna shook her head, feeling a little shy. "I think I'm a little hungry."
"Hmmm!" Josiah paused, confused, then chuckled lightly. "A little?" He teased, pinching her nose. "Let's head back; Romilly should have the food ready by now." Her hunger made sense, given it was mealtime.
"No, no," Sienna pointed at the hospital convenience store. "I want corn chowder! They sell it there."
Josiah frowned, concerned. "That's not a proper meal."
"But I want two cans. I really want them today."
"Alright then." Josiah conceded, remembering pregnant women's cravings should be indulged; otherwise, they might remain a source of displeasure. He would never let Sienna feel unhappy. Taking her hand, he walked toward the convenience store, cautioning, "Don't overeat."
"Okay?" Sienna turned to find Yvette before them.
"Yvette," Josiah said, surprised. "You're here too."
"Yep," Yvette managed a tight smile. She thought, Did Josiah even notice me? Is Sienna the only one on his mind now?
Suddenly, Sienna let go of his hand, making Josiah frown, thinking she was upset again. "Sienna?"
"I'll leave you two for a moment," she grinned. "James, come with me."
"You're not mad?" Josiah reached out to touch her face, seeking reassurance.
"Not at all." Sienna shot him an annoyed look, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she turned gracefully. "James, keep up."
"Coming, Mr. Shaw."
Yvette scoffed. "Is she here to see you or just to eat?"
Josiah frowned, his face darkening.
"Josiah," Yvette scrutinized him, mockingly. "I don't really understand, are you planning to continue with her?"
"Yvette," Josiah said, turning to face her, his gaze steady. Yvette felt uneasy.
Josiah controlled his frustration. "Please don't speak badly about Sienna; she's pregnant and shouldn't go hungry."
"What?" Yvette looked shocked, her mouth agape. "But her baby isn'tโฆ"
"It's mine!" Anger flashed in his eyes. "I'll say this one last time: the baby is mine! I don't want to hear any more slander about her. I owe you nothing, but my beloved and our baby do not."
Josiah walked toward the convenience store. Yvette stood still, amazed by his words. Did he just call Sienna his beloved? Did he admit he loved Sienna?
Sienna emerged from the convenience store just as Josiah reached her.
"Take it slow," Josiah advised, looking at her and smiling slightly. "Is it good?"
Sienna choked. "Yes, very tasty."
"Is it?" Josiah looked at the corn chowder. "Let me have a taste."
"Hey!" Sienna's eyes widened in surprise. "Just a bite! You almost ate it all!"
"Aren't you the one who said two cans? Is this two?" Josiah maintained a serious face, counting. "One, two, three, four, five. Sienna, did your math teacher teach you anything?"
Sienna rolled her eyes. "I know you're good at math now."
Josiah sighed. "I wonder if our child will inherit your math skills or mine." He reached out to steady her, realizing she might fall. "Just this one. No more!"