Chapter 291

“Mr. Flynn, please wait!” Rosie called, but her blurred vision left her feeling desperate. She struggled to understand Sienna’s perspective. “Sienna, why don’t you explain?”

She knew Sienna had wanted to leave before, but things had changed. Rosie pondered Sienna's ectopic pregnancy and their current discord. What would the future hold? What were Sienna's plans?

Sienna stared blankly at the hospital room doorway, sighing sadly. “I can explain the ectopic pregnancy clearly, but how do I explain the money and the assessments? Those were clear indications she was leaving him.”

“Should I try to win him back and pretend everything is fine?” Sienna’s voice dripped with bitterness and sarcasm. “Do you think he would ever…?” She knew he wouldn’t. Even if they reconciled, Josiah would always be wary. She envisioned the fortress he would build around himself. Plus, her post-surgery condition made another pregnancy seem impossible soon.

Sienna couldn’t endure a long wait. Leaning against the bed, she sat down. “Rosie, I feel so drained,” she confessed. “I don’t have the confidence or energy to fight with him anymore.”

Her eyes reddened. Thoughts of Joyce surfaced. “My poor Joyce, I want to spend more time with her.” She felt deeply indebted to her daughter.

After so long with Josiah, it seemed they were incompatible. Joyce’s health was fragile, her second pregnancy having ended badly. Any future plans would have to wait until she recovered physically.

Maybe she’d ask Josiah for another chance; perhaps other opportunities would arise while she was away. Or, she might be backed into a corner, left with only one choice.

In the following days, Sienna spent several more days in the hospital. On the fifth day, after a doctor's visit, she was discharged. The recovery had been good. She completed the discharge papers and went home.

The doctor handed her the papers and a long list of instructions: “Watch your diet and get plenty of rest. Wait at least three months before having sex. If you want to get pregnant, wait at least six months.”

Sienna lowered her gaze, her eyelashes fluttering. “Thank you, doctor.”

“It’s my job,” the doctor replied.

Since Rosie couldn’t see, after handling the paperwork, Sienna first took her back to City Pearl. Rosie said, “Call a car for me; I can get the home helper to help me.”

“I’m not fragile,” Sienna insisted, accompanying her to the apartment entrance. “The doctor said I’m fine. You’ve been at the hospital with me for several days—please, go inside and rest; I won’t be joining you.”

After days in the hospital, Sienna longed to see Joyce.

“Bye, Sienna.”

“Bye!”

That afternoon, Joyce was playing in the park. Sienna heard Joyce’s laughter from afar. Joyce’s friend, Seth, was swinging, while Joyce puffed out her cheeks, pushing him.

“Joyce, keep going! Push higher!”

“Okay!” Joyce’s face lit up with excitement as she pushed with all her might. “You’re flying now!” As she let go, she saw Sienna. “Mommy!” Joyce rushed to Sienna, jumping into her arms and proudly pointing to Seth. “Mommy, look! I was pushing Seth on the swing!”

Sienna smiled, wiping the sweat from Joyce’s forehead and playfully pinching her nose. “You are amazing!”

“Hi, Sienna,” Seth said, stepping down from the swing. “I also pushed Joyce on the swing; we take turns.”

Sienna’s eyes softened as she affectionately ruffled Seth’s hair. “Joyce has told me—Seth is her best friend.”

“Joyce is my best friend too!” Seth blushed shyly, taking Joyce’s hand. “Joyce, let’s go play again!”

“Of course!” Joyce waved at her mother. “Mommy, wait for me!”

“Alright,” Sienna smiled, trying to hide her heartache. She wouldn't show sadness in front of Joyce; she believed strength would help her daughter face the world with a smile.

At City Pearl, Rosie got her keys and entered the apartment. The home helper quickly approached, whispering, “Ms. Miller, your husband…”

Before she could finish, Rosie heard Daniel’s voice and instinctively stepped back. “What…what are you doing here again?”

“You make it sound like I’m doing something wrong,” Daniel chuckled. “I’m a husband looking for his wife. Surely, I don’t need to justify that?” He approached the sofa, stopping in front of Rosie. “Rosie, I was wrong last time; I’m here to apologize. Will you come home with me, please?”

“No, no!” Rosie shook her head, feeling scared.

Daniel frowned. “I regret my actions; if you forgive me this time, I promise it won’t happen again. Will you trust me?”

Rosie scoffed. She’d heard this empty talk countless times. Each apology had been followed by his return to other women, a never-ending cycle of abuse. “Daniel, do you even believe the nonsense you’re saying?”

“Nonsense!” Daniel’s face darkened, his anger barely concealed. “I know you’re still upset, and I won’t blame you… but today, you’re coming home with me!” He reached for her wrist.

“I’m not going! I won’t go anywhere!” Rosie exclaimed.

“Sir, please let her go!” The frightened home helper intervened. “Even if she is your wife, if she doesn’t want to go, you can’t force her.”

Daniel sneered at the home helper. “Rosie, so you can afford a home helper now? Where did you get the money?” Recalling the man who had taken her away before, he gritted his teeth. “Rosie, have you been taken care of by someone else? Tell me! Who is that guy? You betrayed me! Today, you’re leaving with me, no matter what!”

Using all his strength, Daniel pulled Rosie toward the door. “Ms. Miller!” the home helper shouted, “Howard is here!”

Howard, gripping his cane, hurried over. From a distance, he saw Rosie being dragged by Daniel, tears in her eyes.