Chapter 50

"Yes," William confirmed without hesitation. Over the years, he had witnessed Sienna's resilience and struggles, and he understood the significance of this moment for her. "Joyce's turn on the surgery list has finally come up!"

Sienna froze, her breath catching. Her eyes reddened, and a wave of warmth surged through her chest. It's happening… finally happening, she thought. She fought to keep her emotions in check, whispering, "Thank you, Mr. Thompson." Overwhelmed with excitement, she hardly knew what else to say.

William chuckled. "No need to thank me. I didn't do much. You're the one who's been holding on all this time. After the surgery, Joyce won't have to suffer anymore."

"Yes…" Sienna's voice trembled, her heart overflowing with joy and relief.

But then, William's tone turned serious. "You'll need to gather the surgery fees as soon as possible. The operation will happen in two months at the earliest, six at the latest."

Sienna's heart sank. The money… Of course. I knew this was coming, she thought. She stammered, "How much exactly?"

"About $160,000," William replied.

Sienna wasn't shocked, but anxiety still gripped her. I had prepared myself for this number, she thought, but hearing it still feels like a punch in the gut. Being a single mother, juggling Joyce's treatment costs and their living expenses was already overwhelming. Despite her relentless saving, she was still far from having enough.

William added gently, "I know your situation, Joyce's mom. But try your best. Two months isn't much time." As a doctor, there was only so much he could do.

"I understand," Sienna said softly, though the enormous weight of his words pressed heavily on her chest.

After hanging up, Sienna sat quietly, her emotions oscillating between joy and worry. My child finally has a chance, she thought. But how can I possibly gather such a huge amount in so little time?

Between rehearsals and filming, Sienna made time to visit Miranda at the nursing home. Miranda's health had improved significantly since her surgery.

"Sienna, you're here!" Miranda greeted her warmly, her face brighter and more spirited than before.

"Miranda," Sienna replied with a smile.

When she arrived, Josiah was already there. It was their first meeting since their encounter at Maze.

"Come, sit," Miranda said with a welcoming gesture, taking Sienna's hand with a smile. "My health has improved a lot! Soon, I'll be able to go home. You've worried too much about me."

"It's nothing," Sienna began, but Miranda cut her off. "Nothing! Look at yourself! You've lost so much weight. How long have you been back in… Jeiacrity! You've already shrunk to half your size." Josiah, who had been sitting silently, paused. His thoughts wandered to her cramped, rundown apartment on 12th Avenue. Why does she insist on living like this when she could have so much more? he wondered.

He sneered inwardly. Lost weight, he thought bitterly. Serves her right. She brought this on herself.

"What are you laughing at?" Miranda's sharp ears caught his subtle scoff.

Josiah straightened up awkwardly. "Nothing."

Miranda pointed a finger at him. "When you leave, make sure to take some of these gifts and bring them to Sienna." The room overflowed with items visitors had brought for Miranda during her recovery. She had already shared many with the doctors and nurses, but there was still an excess.

Sienna quickly declined. "Miranda, I don't need anything."

"It's for you, so just take it," Miranda insisted. "I've already picked out some things—food and other essentials. Don't let it go to waste. Take them back to the Silver Beach."

Miranda still believed Sienna was living at the Silver Beach. After all, Josiah had multiple properties, and if anyone had to move, it would naturally be him. Not wanting to reveal the truth, Sienna reluctantly agreed. "Thank you, Miranda. I'll take them."

"Being polite with your grandma, huh?" Miranda glared at Josiah. "Didn't you hear? Why are you so quiet? Are you mute!"

"I heard you," Josiah replied helplessly. "Don't worry, Miranda. I'll deliver them. Is that okay?"

But inside, he sneered. Drive? Does Sienna even care about this stuff?

After lingering a little longer, they got up and left together. Josiah and Sienna, one after the other, carried the items to the car and placed them in the trunk. Not a word was exchanged the entire way. He got behind the wheel while she sat in the back seat. The car headed toward 12th Avenue.

When they reached the alley's entrance, Josiah stopped the car. With a stern expression, he silently took the items out of the trunk, placing them on the ground.

"Thanks for the trouble," Sienna said, glancing at the impatient man. She smoothed her hair casually. "Just leave them here. I'll carry them inside myself."

Josiah's face darkened. Carry them herself? These heavy things? Walk that far? Climb up the stairs? And probably make multiple trips? Did she see me as just for show?

"Sienna!" a voice called.

But Sienna ignored Josiah. She bent down, ready to move the items herself. Just then, someone called her name. She looked up and smiled. "Oh, it's you."

Josiah squinted at the new arrival—a skinny, plain-looking young man pedaling a tricycle cart toward them. Sienna is smiling at him? She knows this guy? What's the relationship here? he thought.

The tricycle stopped in front of them. The man hopped off and smiled at Sienna. "Perfect timing! I was about to deliver some rice to you but wasn't sure if you'd be home." He was the local rice shop owner. Sienna often bought rice from him, and he was kind enough to offer home delivery.

Sienna chuckled. "Well, isn't that a coincidence?"

The man reached into his pocket, pulled out a lollipop, unwrapped it, and handed it to her. "Here, take this."

Josiah froze, his gaze sharpening. Sienna, you wouldn't dare…

And yet, she did. "Thanks," Sienna said brightly, taking the lollipop and popping it into her mouth with a smile that crinkled her eyes.

Josiah: Am I invisible or something?

"Tastes good, huh?" The shop owner grinned as he lowered a bag of rice from the cart. "I'll carry it up for you…"

He trailed off when he noticed Josiah, then glanced at the pile of items on the ground. "Sienna, what's all this?"

"Oh," Sienna replied nonchalantly, not even bothering to introduce Josiah. She pointed at the load. "These are mine. I'll carry them myself."

"No way!" the man protested. "You're a girl—so skinny! Do you even have the strength? Let me help!" He bent down and was about to pick up a basket of fruit.

Sienna replied, "Hey, no need—"

"Put it down!" Josiah barked suddenly, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. His hand landed firmly on the man's shoulder, his eyes swirling with a storm of unspoken emotions. Dark. Oppressive. Sienna had no idea what was going on with him. Josiah's gaze locked onto the man. "I say it again—put it down!"

"Uh… okay, sure." The shop owner shrank under Josiah's fierce aura, swallowing hard as he obediently placed the items back on the ground.

"And that," Josiah pointed at the bag of rice slung over the man's shoulder, "put that down too."