Chapter 354

Sienna gasped, nearly leaping from her chair. "Sienna," Josiah said gently, pushing her back down. "Stay seated."

Sienna frowned, her confusion evident. Josiah opened the luxurious box, revealing a red diamond ring—custom-made for his proposal. He held it, gazing at her with hopeful eagerness.

"Sienna, marry—"

Sienna's lips parted in shock.

Josiah smiled shyly. "I wanted a grand proposal, but… things didn't go as planned. I had to simplify it." He held her hand, preparing to place the ring on her finger. "Don't worry. Even if this proposal is small, I promise the wedding will be beautiful, just as you want it."

"What are you doing?" Sienna recoiled, pulling her hand away. Her eyes widened. "Have you lost your mind? Marry you? That's crazy!"

"Crazy?" Josiah's dark gaze locked onto hers. "You don't want this?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Sienna closed her eyes, exhaling deeply. The situation was ridiculous. Josiah was incomprehensible. "You've known for a long time I don't like you! If it weren't for Joyce, I'd never have gotten involved with you! Especially not now!" She scoffed. "Even if our past didn't matter, after you chose Yvette over me when I was dying, there's no way I'd agree to this." Josiah listened quietly, his expression unchanging. Then, gently, he said, "You will. You will."

Sienna frowned, confused by his unwavering confidence. "Why would I…?"

"Because of Joyce," Josiah said, his voice low and serious.

Sienna's eyes widened, a chill creeping over her. "Are you saying…?"

Josiah nodded. "Marry me, and I will save Joyce… otherwise…" He clenched his jaw. Sienna understood. A shiver ran through her; tears filled her eyes. "Impossible… Joyce is your daughter! You cared for her!"

"You can test me." Josiah placed his warm palm against her cold cheek. "To see if I'm telling the truth."

Rage surged within Sienna. She stood, pushed him away, and slapped him. "Beast!" she cried. "Joyce is your daughter! As her father, you failed to give her a healthy life, and now you dare use her to threaten me?"

Josiah didn't flinch, accepting the slap. He met her furious gaze. "Yes, I'm a beast! But you're a good mother, and for Joyce, you will marry me, right?"

Before he could finish, Sienna slapped him again. Josiah remained firm. "Go ahead, hit me. I'm a beast, and I deserve this."

Sienna's voice cracked. Tears streamed down her face. "Why are you doing this? Why are you pushing me?" Her vision blurred. "When you hated me, you forced me away mercilessly. Now, you want me and use our daughter to threaten me… This is too much." Despair and resentment filled her gaze. "Josiah! I hate you!"

Josiah's heart sank. "Hate me! Fine, anything is better than losing you." He remained kneeling, taking her hand and holding out the red diamond ring. "Marry me."

Sienna's eyes were filled with tears as she looked at it. Slowly, solemnly, he placed the ring on her finger. She felt trapped. Lowering her gaze, tears fell.

"Just right," Josiah said, holding her hand. The ring sparkled. He smiled. "The size is perfect, and red is your favorite color. It looks lovely on you."

He looked up to find Sienna in tears, his heart aching for her. "Sienna," he said, standing and wrapping her in his arms. He whispered, "We are meant to be together; we have a daughter. We are a perfect match!"

Sienna gritted her teeth, her eyes red and silent.

"Don't cry," Josiah released her, cradling her face. "Your eyes are so swollen. I'll call the waiter for ice; you should use it or you'll have trouble with your makeup later." He pressed the service bell. "Waiter."

Moments later, the waiter arrived. "Mr. Flynn, how may I help you?"

"Bring some ice."

Sienna watched silently as Josiah, using cruel tactics, acted sweetly. She closed her eyes, feeling as if she were falling into an abyss.

After the ice, the meal was served. Josiah asked, "Do you have Instagram?"

Sienna nodded. She hadn't used it much until joining Jeiacrity and Lightning Dance—mostly for promoting performances.

"Great," Josiah took out his phone, holding her hand—the one with the ring—and interlocked their fingers for a photo. He opened his Instagram and posted a message. Setting his phone down, he said, "Give me your phone."

Sienna frowned but lacked the energy to argue. She handed it to him. "I'm going to the restroom," she said, standing to leave.

In the private restroom, she stared at her reflection. "Joyce," she whispered, crying. She had never felt in control, always abandoned or forced.

Separated by a door, Josiah heard her crying and decided not to knock. A minute later, two Instagram posts went viral, crashing the server:

[Hello, Mrs. Flynn.] [Hello, Mr. Flynn.]

The photos showed their intertwined hands, Sienna's delicate hand wearing the red diamond ring.