Chapter 287

When Rosie awoke, the home helper announced, "Howard has arrived." They had agreed Howard would take her to the eye doctor that day. The home helper assisted her to the living room, where Rosie offered a shy smile. "Good morning, Howard."

Howard, lost in thought, sat on the sofa and nodded slightly. "Mm." Rosie wondered what to say, and just as discomfort began to set in, Sienna appeared. "Sienna!" Her savior had arrived; Rosie quickly rose. "You're here!"

"Rosie," Sienna said, walking over and linking arms with her. "I'm so sorry I couldn't be here last night."

Rosie glanced at the sofa. "Thanks to Howard, everything's been arranged."

"Indeed," Sienna smiled at Howard. "Howard, I'm sorry for the trouble."

"Mm." Howard nodded and headed outside, gesturing for Sienna to follow.

"Sienna," Rosie called after him, listening to his retreating footsteps. "Is Howard unhappy?"

Sienna looked at Howard, who hadn't gone far, her expression confused. "Why do you say that?"

"Well, since I woke up yesterday, I've done all the talking. He hasn't said a word to me…" Rosie trailed off. Then she added, "Oh, that's not entirely true; he just says 'mm.' Is he annoyed with me? I really might have caused him a lot of trouble. I feel pretty embarrassed."

Sienna tried to suppress a laugh. "That's nonsense, Howard is just naturally reserved and doesn't talk much."

"Really?" Rosie believed Sienna completely, patting her chest. "That's a relief. I was worried that if I was too much of a burden…" she paused, "...I shouldn't have asked him to take me to the doctor."

"That's not true," Sienna reassured her, patting Rosie's hand. "Howard is one of the kindest people I've ever met."

"Is that so!" Rosie tilted her head, considering this, then smiled. "Indeed, he doesn't even know me, yet he's helping so much." She remembered her first ride in Howard's car. "He once drove me home. He really doesn't seem to enjoy talking."

The doctor Howard took Rosie to had a limited number of appointments, requiring bookings a month in advance. Patients waiting for surgery in the ward faced waits of up to two months. The doctor examined Rosie thoroughly. "The chances of a successful surgery are quite promising," he declared.

"Sienna!" Rosie exclaimed joyfully, squeezing Sienna's hand.

"That's fantastic!" Sienna shared her happiness.

The doctor turned to Howard. "Mr. Flynn, the surgery dates for patients within two months are all scheduled. It's tough to make any changes. Let's schedule her for the first available slot in two months. Of course, if any surgeries are canceled, I'll make sure to move her up. Would that be acceptable?"

Howard, known for his openness to discussion and reluctance to leverage his position, readily agreed to the two-month wait, despite the longer period of difficulty for Rosie. "Mm," he nodded in agreement.

Once they left the hospital, Rosie sincerely thanked Howard. "Thank you so much, Howard; I really appreciate your help."

Howard met her gaze. "Mm."

Rosie pouted, squeezed Sienna's hand, and whispered, "Did you see that?"

At that moment, both Rosie and Sienna found something odd. Compared to Josiah, Howard was indeed quieter and more composed. Howard usually spoke freely to Sienna, but he seemed to say hardly anything at all in Rosie's presence. Yet, it didn't seem accurate to say he was displeased or impatient.

With lingering doubts, Sienna secretly observed Howard a few more times, noticing his slightly flushed ears. Is Howard a shy person? Did his ears get hot just because Rosie was a stranger to him? He is pure.

The next day, Sienna went to Lightning Dance. Brenda had returned and resumed her usual duties. Sienna waited in Brenda's lounge until Brenda arrived. "Sienna! Have a seat," Brenda said.

"Alright."

"I just got back and have been busy. Did you wait long?" Brenda offered some snacks. "What can I help you with?"

Sienna pressed her lips together, struggling to find the right words. The child was already in her womb, and she had no other choice. She felt deep regret toward Brenda, her mentor, whose support had been instrumental in her success.

"What's wrong? You look troubled," Brenda observed.

Sienna took a deep breath, summoning her courage. "Ms. Scott, I… have come to resign. I may also need your help to find someone to take my place at the television station."

"What?" Brenda's hand froze, her expression shocked. "I must have misheard you; did you just say you're resigning?"

Sienna felt Brenda's powerful aura. Brenda scoffed. "Sienna, I entrusted you and sent you to the television station, and you couldn't handle the temptations of the entertainment industry?"

"Ms. Scott, that's not it," Sienna blurted, her color draining. "I… I'm pregnant."

Brenda was shocked. Her gaze fell on Sienna's abdomen, and for a moment, she was speechless. Brenda knew Sienna was involved with Josiah, but having recognized her talent, she had wholeheartedly invested in nurturing her.

Brenda asked, "Have you decided to marry, raise a family, and quit dancing?"

Sienna could only nod. "Yes."

Brenda felt a wave of sadness. "I see." This was a personal choice, and the Flynn family was certainly a good one. Brenda felt she couldn't oppose it, so she simply waved her hand. "You may go."

"Ms. Scott…" Sienna felt heavy-hearted, feeling she had disappointed Brenda's trust.

As she stood, Brenda had already turned away. Sienna bowed silently. "Ms. Scott, take care."

As she turned to leave, she heard Brenda's voice, "Sienna, I hope you won't regret your choice today!"

Sienna didn't look back; for Josiah, she had no other options. Exiting Lightning Dance, Sienna headed to the television station. The person who was supposed to take over her job hadn't yet arrived, so she needed to fulfill her remaining duties. As she changed her clothes, Sienna felt a vague strain in her lower back, unsure if it was due to her pregnancy.