Chapter 298

Sienna’s back stiffened as she turned. “Clever,” she said.

Josiah frowned. Sienna smiled faintly, then said coldly, “Yet, I have long since told you I don’t like you.”

From the beginning, Josiah had insisted on being with her, even after she’d made it clear to him and Miranda that she didn’t want that. Sienna laughed coldly. “Are you here to blame me?”

“Sienna,” Josiah’s expression changed. “That wasn’t my intention!” His brow furrowed, his voice low and heavy. “I know about your ectopic pregnancy…”

Their connection had always been for Joyce’s sake. Josiah had long known Joyce suffered from aplastic anemia. Now, it hit him: Sienna only wanted another child with him to help save Joyce. An abortion was impossible. That’s why he’d asked Zach to investigate. He realized he’d completely misjudged her and stared in confusion. “Why didn’t you say this before?”

She was supposed to want him for Joyce's sake. Sienna sighed, her smile sad. “You’ve done your research; did you miss the detail? After ectopic surgery, conceiving within six months isn’t recommended.”

It wasn’t just the health risks. The short timeframe increased the chances of another ectopic pregnancy, along with potential fetal development issues and miscarriage.

Josiah finally understood. Sienna’s motives had been purely for Joyce. She’d never wanted to waste her time with him these past six months. She felt nothing for him.

A trace of mockery flickered in her eyes. Josiah realized he had no right to demand her feelings, considering his treatment of her. He finally understood why the once devoted Sienna had remained emotionally distant despite his attempts.

“Is everything clear now? Then I shall take my leave.” Sienna walked inside.

“Sienna!” Josiah called, rushing to catch her, pulling her into an embrace from behind.

“What are you doing?”

Josiah buried his face in her neck, his voice low and tender, full of regret. “I’m so sorry. I know saying sorry means little, but truly, Sienna, I am so sorry…” Even though an apology couldn’t change anything, he still wanted to apologize.

Sienna closed her eyes, feeling Josiah tremble. After a long pause, she replied softly, saying nothing more. She gently pushed him away and left.

Josiah stood, lost, staring at her silhouette until she disappeared. Panic washed over him. He rushed to his car, searching for cigarettes. Then, on a whim, he found gum, popping an entire pack into his mouth.

He puffed his cheeks, eyes filled with tears. Though it tasted sweet, he felt bitter. He thought, ‘Sienna, I’m sorry… Joyce, I’m sorry…’

Late that night, Josiah stepped from the bathroom, turned on the TV, and found a documentary about pregnancy and childbirth. “From the moment a woman becomes pregnant, her body goes through many changes…”

The room was dimly lit by the flickering screen. He watched intently, murmuring, “So, pregnancy is this painful…”

The pregnant women in the documentary, even with their husbands and families, seemed to be facing a life-or-death situation. He raised a hand to his eyes. And what about Sienna back then? She was only twenty!

How did she endure those long ten months alone in Fliraty… and then manage to raise Joyce all by herself for three years! She gave birth to Joyce when she was barely an adult herself!

It was hard to believe that a fragile girl with an even frailer child… The true loss of Sienna’s love couldn’t be blamed on those four years, but on Josiah’s own cruel determination.

Josiah suddenly grabbed a glass from the table and threw it violently to the floor. It shattered. He closed his eyes, overwhelmed with pain. He realized Sienna would never forgive him.

Meanwhile, Joyce slept soundly, while Sienna lay awake, hands clasped over her heart. On the bright side, she no longer had to pretend before Josiah.

From Josiah’s actions, it was clear he wouldn’t remain inactive about Joyce’s situation. However, deeper problems were still to come. Joyce was Josiah’s daughter, and once that connection was made, their bond would be hard to break.

With her eyes shut, she remembered that year when she’d cradled Joyce and been thrown out of the hospital. She’d had no money, was starving, and lacked milk; she’d been forced to steal. To her, Josiah was not worthy of forgiveness.

The next afternoon, Sienna returned from the park with Joyce and received a message from Josiah: [I’m waiting for you downstairs.]

Sienna put away her phone, put on her jacket, and went outside. “Sienna, over here.” Josiah waved from by the car door. They headed back to the same dessert shop.

“What can I get you?”

“Lemon tea.”

“Okay.”

Compared to yesterday, Sienna seemed calmer. Josiah returned with their drinks. “Here’s your lemon tea.”

“Thank you.” Sienna took it and sipped twice.

Some topics didn't need explaining. At that moment, their ability to sit peacefully together stemmed solely from their shared concern for Joyce.

“Sienna,” Josiah’s eyes focused on her, his voice low and gentle. “I’m in touch with doctors about Joyce, trying to find a more experienced and reliable physician for her.”

His words brought tears to Sienna’s eyes. Joyce was her vulnerability.

Josiah took her hand. “Aplastic anemia isn’t always a dead end; there are cases of complete recovery. Joyce will surely be fine. What I failed to give her at birth, I promise to make up for.”