Chapter 378

Howard continued, “Do you remember when our family was kidnapped?”

Sienna nodded. “Yes.”

“It was around that time,” Howard sighed deeply. “In the hideout of that criminal gang, I met Josiah and Yvette.”

Sienna was stunned. So, the real Josiah was already gone by then.

Howard looked at her and spoke softly, “Before Grandma adopted you, you’d been to the Flynn family house and met Josiah. Do you remember how similar they looked?”

Still in shock, Sienna slowly nodded. From her perspective, she couldn’t tell any difference between them. It was unbelievable how two people, with no blood relation, could look so alike.

Howard nodded. “I was also shocked when I first saw him. I couldn’t believe it. He thought his lost brother had come back to life.”

During that time, they were both struggling to survive in the clutches of the criminal gang. Besides hunger and cold, they endured frequent beatings and scolding. Their bond was forged in those dire circumstances. Because he could endure hardship better, Josiah often protected Howard. And because his face so closely resembled Howard’s lost brother, Howard felt a deep sympathy for him.

“After that, you know the rest,” Howard sighed, his thoughts drifting to the past. He continued, “Yvette saved us. At the police station, I waited for Grandma to take me home. I made a decision to bring him back to the Flynn family!”

First, and most importantly, Howard feared his grandmother wouldn’t cope with the loss of another grandson. Secondly, Josiah was too pitiful; he deserved a chance to live, even as Howard’s brother.

Eventually, they grew up together, and Josiah became Howard’s real brother. Their brotherly love became a legendary tale in Jelacrity.

Sienna listened, her emotions in turmoil, struggling to find words.

“Go inside,” Howard said, knowing she needed time to process the truth. “If Josiah wakes up and doesn’t see you, he’ll start to fuss. I’m leaving now.”

Sienna said, “Take care, Howard.”

“Mm-hmm.” Howard walked out of the hospital unit, where Hervey approached him for instructions.

Hervey asked, “Mr. Flynn, should we inform Ms. Young that Mr. Josiah Flynn has returned?” Yvette had been calling several times a day, asking for news about Josiah.

Howard frowned. “It’s late,” he paused. “Let’s hold off on telling her for now.”

Hervey was briefly taken aback but then nodded. “Understood.”

In the hospital room, Josiah started to sweat after being given medication. Sienna got up, went to the bathroom, and wrung out a wet towel to wipe his sweat. Josiah’s brows were furrowed tightly, indicating a restless sleep. She could somewhat understand his unease. Both of them led seemingly glamorous lives in the Flynn family, but in reality, they were living under someone else’s shadow.

Chapter 1155

This was why Josiah was always obedient to Howard; his reputation as a brotherly enthusiast stemmed from this dependency.

Menna sighed, retrieved the towel, and placed her hand down, only to have it grasped by Josiah. She thought he had woken up. But he hadn’t; Josiah kept his eyes closed, his brows knit with worry, and muttered softly, “Sienna, don’t… don’t go.”

Sienna watched him quietly, her own brows gradually knitting together. Josiah woke up to a completely quiet room. Looking around, he realized he was in the hospital, with a nurse standing nearby.

The nurse asked, “Are you awake?”

Josiah ignored her. He vaguely remembered Sienna bringing him to the hospital. He wondered: Why am I alone now? Was I delirious from the fever and imagining things? Or did Sienna come and then leave? Propping himself up on his elbows, he threw off the covers and tried to get out of bed.

The nurse, startled, hurried to stop him. “Mr. Flynn, where are you going? If you need the bathroom, I’ll call for the attendant.”

“Let go!” Josiah’s head throbbed painfully, his vision blurring. “I’m leaving!”

“You can’t do that!” The nurse was at a loss, but just then the door opened, and Sienna walked in. Instantly, the room quieted down. Sienna looked at the nurse, then at Josiah. “Did I just hear you say you want to leave the hospital?”

Josiah froze, not daring to speak.

“Lie down!” Sienna frowned, her tone a mix of scolding and commanding. “You’re seriously ill. Stop fooling around.”

“Alright,” Josiah’s throat bobbed as he nodded and obediently lay back down. Throughout the entire process, he kept his eyes fixed on Sienna, not daring to blink, as if she would disappear if he did.

Once he was settled, Sienna reached over to feel his forehead and sighed in relief. “You’re better now, not as hot. How do you feel?”

Josiah, somewhat sluggish, responded, “Much better.” After sweating all night, he indeed felt lighter.

Sienna nodded. “Don’t let your guard down. You have pneumonia, so your temperature may fluctuate and might spike again. It’s a process.” She observed his face and asked, “You seem more energetic now. Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?”

“Yes,” Josiah nodded, still staring at her intently.

“How about some soup?” Sienna said. “I ordered takeout from Soup Howls. It arrived just now, perfect timing.” She had gone out earlier to pick it up.

“Alright,” Josiah nodded again. He gazed at Sienna almost greedily, answering her the same no matter what she said.

“Wait here.” Sienna stood up, brought over a bowl of soup, and pulled a chair next to the bed. Glancing at Josiah’s hand with the IV drip, she said, “Okay.” Josiah nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Careful, it’s hot.” Sienna scooped a spoonful of soup, blew on it, and brought it to his mouth. “Don’t gulp it down, eat slowly.”

“Okay,” Josiah complied without question, completely obedient.

Sienna said, “Have some shredded chicken too. Just soup isn’t enough nutrition.”

Josiah agreed, “Okay.”

The bowl of soup was soon empty, and Sienna pulled out a napkin to wipe his mouth. “Sienna,” Josiah looked at her with cautious, probing eyes.

“Hmm?” Sienna crumpled the napkin and tossed it into the trash. “What is it?”

Seeing her calm and gentle expression, Josiah hesitated. “Did you hear what I said to you last night?” He wondered: Or was I just delirious? Maybe I only thought it and never actually said it?

Sienna nodded. “I heard.” Her bright eyes were clear. “Not only did I hear, but because I didn’t quite understand, I even asked Howard.”

Josiah’s throat bobbed again, nerves making his mouth dry. “So, do you understand now?”

“Yes,” Sienna nodded, still composed and serene.

Josiah gazed at her for two seconds, then suddenly leaned forward, spreading his arms to hug her. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and murmured, “Sienna, thank you.” “You stayed, didn’t leave me.” He thought, You know now, but you’re still here!