Chapter 6

As soon as Josiah stepped inside, he smelled something cooking. He wrinkled his nose. "What's that smell?"

The living room and kitchen lights were on. He thought, Is someone home? No way. Could it be a break-in? Nah, who breaks in just to cook? Silver Beach security was top-notch; even a neighbor's mouse would think twice about sneaking in.

"Who is it? Show yourself!" Josiah called, his face darkening.

"Coming!" Sienna replied, jogging into the living room. She stopped before him, hands clasped, and said softly, "You're back."

Josiah was startled. Sienna was tall and graceful, though thin. Undeniably beautiful, her large, luminous eyes commanded attention. He didn't recognize her, yet she felt strangely familiar. Still, he disliked anyone invading his space. "Who are you? How did you get in here?" he demanded.

Sienna paused, then laughed—he really didn't remember her. She pressed her lips together. "I'm Sienna."

Josiah nodded, then froze. Sienna? Oh, right. Grandma had mentioned bringing Sienna home earlier that day; Miranda had called. He'd agreed, but it slipped his mind.

He squinted, studying her. Her youthful innocence seemed gone, replaced by a touch of feminine charm—she was more beautiful than before. Yet, he scoffed quietly, No matter how stunning, it can't mask a rotten character. Her return is perfect; issues on hold for four years are finally coming to a head.

"Wait here. I'll be right back," Josiah said, giving her a cold glance before heading upstairs.

"Okay," Sienna replied, watching him go. She decided to stay put.

After a short while, Josiah returned. He settled onto the couch, gesturing to the seat opposite. "Take a seat."

"Sure," Sienna said, sitting down.

Josiah opened a folder and placed it on the table. "Take a look. If everything's good, just sign it."

Sienna glanced at the document. The words "Divorce Agreement" were written in black and white.

"This should have been dealt with four years ago," Josiah said flatly. "But Grandma disagreed, so I went along. Now…"

Sienna looked up. "Miranda agreed?"

Josiah's eyes narrowed. "No," he admitted. Miranda was stubborn; even after four years, she wouldn't let go. She brought Sienna back, hoping they could fix things. He'd already made up his mind.

"I don't like you, and you know that. This marriage was a mistake. It's been almost four years, it's time to end it," Josiah said, his voice firm.

Sienna listened quietly.

Assuming she disagreed, Josiah frowned. "If you don't agree, I'll file for divorce. We've been separated for over two years, so it will be granted."

"No need to complicate it," Sienna gently interrupted. "I agree to the divorce."

"You agreed?" Josiah was taken aback.

Sienna nodded. "Yes."

This genuinely surprised him. He'd expected more effort given Sienna's past obsession. This was a good thing.

After the shock, Josiah raised an eyebrow. "In that case, let's sign it."

"Okay," Sienna replied.

Josiah handed her a pen. She carefully reviewed the agreement and shook her head. "I don't want the house or the money. Miranda raised me, and I've always owed your family."

Josiah found it amusing. "Since you arrived at fifteen, you've been supported by us. That includes your overseas studies and living expenses," he added silently. "You can't support yourself, so how will you live?"

A chill crept over Sienna. She silently clenched her hands.

"Could it be…" Josiah narrowed his eyes. "You're thinking if things get tough, you might come back and bother me?"

"I didn't," Sienna said, her gaze dimming.

"If so, sign quickly," Josiah said with a dismissive smile.

"Alright," Sienna smiled slightly. She signed both copies.

Josiah felt relieved. "I'll arrange a time at the courthouse and inform you."

"Okay," Sienna nodded.

Josiah took the agreement and looked directly at Sienna. "Grandma is about to have surgery. Until she recovers, we need to keep the divorce a secret. She raised you, so can you help with this?"

Sienna was surprised. He didn't want her, yet expected her cooperation.

"Don't worry, you won't be left empty-handed. Once settled, I'll add a bonus payment," Josiah sneered.

Sienna laughed quietly and coldly. "Alright, I get it."

"Okay then," Josiah said, standing. "We might need to see each other again. I'll take the master bedroom. As for you…" He paused. "Pick a room downstairs and clean it yourself." He turned and headed upstairs.

Sienna watched him leave, a faint smirk playing on her lips. Pick a room downstairs? All the downstairs rooms are for staff? To him, I'm nothing more than a servant? Her eyes were dry. After a few deep breaths, she went to the dining room.

The pasta was soggy and clumped. Sienna sat, shoved a mouthful in her mouth, and felt like choking. But she was starving.

Suddenly, Josiah burst in. "Sienna!"

Surprised, Sienna choked and coughed.

Josiah frowned, shaking his head at her bowl. "What did you cook? Is this even edible?"

"Pasta," Sienna replied, feeling better. "Do you need something?"

"This mess is pasta?" Josiah sneered. "You can't even boil pasta? Looks like we spoiled you."

Sienna's lips parted slightly, hiding a smirk.

Josiah remembered why he was there and pointed at her bowl, his voice cold. "Don't cook here again. The kitchen is a mess because of you. Just eat at a restaurant. Got it?"