Chapter 351

Sienna awoke feeling much improved. A nurse offered her water, pointing towards the doorway. "That gentleman stepped out for a bit but has returned and is still waiting at the door," she explained.

Sienna wondered if it was Cedric. The nurse, noticing her curiosity, added, "Not Cedric; it's another gentleman, the one with a bit of a temper." Sienna realized it was Josiah. His persistence was remarkable.

After Sienna drank, the nurse wiped her lips. "Visiting isn't allowed tonight; the doctor said no," she said, helping Sienna lie back down. "Try to get some rest."

Sienna nodded. As the nurse tucked the blanket around her, she muttered, "He hasn't left? It's almost dawn. Is he really going to wait all night?" Sienna closed her eyes, ignoring the comment. Drowsiness overcame her.

When she next opened her eyes, Sienna felt significantly better. The weakness and throat pain had subsided. Dawn had broken.

Cedric entered and saw Josiah waiting. He was astonished, not only by Josiah's presence but also by his haggard appearance. His bruised eyelids, prominent blood vessels, stubble, and unchanged clothes suggested a sleepless night. Cedric pondered: had Josiah stood guard all night, too afraid to enter for fear of rejection?

Cedric nodded to Josiah, a gesture of politeness despite their past disagreements. Josiah returned the nod. Cedric proceeded into Sienna's room, where she was video-calling her daughter, Joyce.

"Mommy, you didn't come home last night," Joyce said.

"I'm sorry, Joyce. I've been quite busy," Sienna replied, unable to explain her kidnapping ordeal. She fabricated a story about a work project.

Their conversation concluded with loving exchanges. Sienna smiled at Cedric. "That was my daughter."

"I figured as much," Cedric replied, having overheard the end of their call. He examined her closely. "You look much better."

"Yes!" Sienna exclaimed, relieved. "I had an oxygen chamber session, and I'll have another this afternoon. The doctor said if I continue improving, I might be discharged tomorrow morning."

Her recovery was surprisingly swift, lacking any serious complications despite the emergency. "Thank you," Sienna said sincerely. "If it weren't for you, I might not have seen Joyce again."

She felt deeply indebted to him. Even after her rejection, his bravery in rescuing her reaffirmed his feelings for her.

"What are you thinking about?" Cedric asked, his expression serious. "Are you worried I might try to take advantage of this?"

Sienna was startled by his directness. He chuckled, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "I did save you, but I remember your words very well. What my mother did... that's on me. Saving you should even things out. What do you think?"

Chapter 331 (Note: This chapter number contradicts the previous chapter number.)

He spoke as if saving her were insignificant. He could have exploited the situation, but he didn't. This straightforwardness was typical of Cedric.

"Alright," Sienna nodded, her voice raspy but with a faint smile. She then remembered something and pointed to his arm. "How is your arm?"

"It's a minor injury," Cedric replied, showing her his bandaged arm. "No tendons or bones were affected, but I need to keep it dry and change the dressing regularly. It's a bit of a hassle."

Sienna frowned. "Don't ignore it; infection or inflammation would be terrible."

"I understand," Cedric said, smiling at her concern. "I'll be careful." He glanced at the time. "I need to head to the office now." Sienna felt guilty about keeping him. "Please don't let me hold you back any longer."

"Then I'll leave," Cedric said, offering parting words before departing.

As he left, Josiah stood rigidly, neither advancing nor retreating. His pupils widened upon seeing Cedric. Cedric frowned and turned to leave.

"Why are you still standing here?" The nurse, carrying supplies, appeared. "She's awake and ready for visitors now."

"Is that so!" Josiah exclaimed nervously. "Is she feeling better?"

"Much better," the nurse reassured him. "A critical condition can be dangerous, but once she's stable, she'll be alright."

"Good," Josiah said, peering into the room. "Could you ask her if I can see her?"

"I'll check," the nurse replied, entering the room. "You seem to be doing much better?" she said to Sienna, before pointing to the door. "That gentleman with the slightly difficult demeanor has been waiting outside all night; he wants to see you. Should I let him in?"

Sienna, surprised he'd waited all night, nodded. Some confrontations needed facing.

The nurse summoned Josiah. "You can come in now."

Josiah's heart pounded with excitement and anxiety. He entered, his pulse quickening as he approached Sienna's bedside. He found her propped up, receiving oxygen, but looking vastly improved.

"Sienna," Josiah said, his gaze fixed on her. He struggled to find words.

"You're here," Sienna smiled, gesturing to a chair. "Please, have a seat."

"Okay," Josiah nodded hesitantly, pulling up a chair.