Chapter 60

Sienna's face betrayed nothing unusual, but inwardly, she was nervous and uneasy. She feared Josiah might erupt in a rage and do something drastic. However, nothing happened. Josiah seemed to lose interest. "Sorry for bothering you," he said. "I have another appointment, so I'll be leaving now."

"Oh, alright," Ryan replied, covered in a cold sweat, hastily escorting him to the door. "Take care, Mr. Flynn."

"It's fine. I can see myself out," Josiah said, abruptly turning and walking away.

As the private room door closed, Sienna quietly exhaled. Thankfully, nothing had happened.

Ryan returned, pulling Sienna back down. "Just now…," he began, feeling embarrassed and cautiously observing her expression. "I'm sorry, our relationship—you know, I can't exactly state it openly."

His position was unique. Even though divorced and single, being associated with a dancer could negatively impact his career. Sienna was destined to remain in the shadows.

"Yeah," Sienna replied calmly, nodding. "I know. There's no need to explain."

"That's good," Ryan said, reassured by her understanding nature. He cherished her even more. "Don't worry," he continued, his voice softening, "even though you're being wronged in this aspect, I'll make it up to you in other ways."

He explained that he'd arranged a place for her to live and hired someone to renovate it. Soon, she would be able to move in. This would be their future "home," where he would keep his beloved a secret.

Sienna, understanding the rules, didn't object. "Okay, you take care of it."

"Also," Ryan continued, "I was initially planning to give your family some money, but…" He'd just learned she no longer had any family.

"So here's the deal," Ryan said. "I'll give the money to you. Without family, you should take better care of yourself. Whether you save it, use it, or start a small business, it's up to you."

Listening, Sienna couldn't hold back. Her eyes reddened, and she choked up. She had planned to ask him for money later, but hadn't expected his foresight.

Even though theirs was a transactional relationship, with him as her backer, he was there for her when she needed him most. Thinking of Joyce, Sienna gritted her teeth. For the child, it was worth it.

"What's wrong?" Ryan asked, confused by Sienna's tears. He quickly grabbed a tissue and handed it to her. "Why are you crying?"

"Mr. Jones," Sienna sobbed, shaking her head. "Thank you."

Ryan smiled, wiping her tears. "What are you thanking me for? It's what I'm supposed to do. Don't say things like that anymore. It makes us seem distant, you know!"

"Okay," Sienna replied, fighting back tears, nodding, and forcing a smile. "Got it."

That night, Sienna returned to 12th Avenue. According to Ryan's plan, they would move in together once the house was renovated, giving Sienna time to adjust. Because of this, Sienna felt even more grateful to him. Ryan drove her to the intersection at Lyceum Street, and she walked the rest of the way home alone.

As Sienna entered the alley, a tall figure leaned against the wall, his features obscured by shadows. "You're back? Did your boyfriend drop you off?" It was Josiah. This couldn't be good news. Sienna frowned, instinctively stepping back.

Seeing her reaction, Josiah's eyes narrowed. "Sienna, are you avoiding me?"

His demeanor was intimidating. Sienna didn't want to argue, so she asked calmly, "Do you need something?"

"Need something? You're asking me?" Josiah stepped into the light, his handsome face showing growing anger. "Are you seriously asking me that?" He grabbed her left hand, lifting it high. "What's this, huh? Speak up!"

He was referring to the ring Ryan had given her. Sienna frowned, trying to pull away. "It's none of your business!"

"None of my business!" Josiah laughed in frustration. "Have you forgotten you're still my wife?" He found the ring increasingly bothersome. He grabbed her hand and forcefully pulled the ring off. "Take it off right now! You're not allowed to wear it!"

"Don't!" Sienna struggled, refusing to comply. But she was no match for Josiah. "Ow!"

Josiah successfully removed the ring and casually tossed it toward the roadside. "I dare you to wear it again! Let's see how you do that!"

"No!" Sienna screamed, watching helplessly. "Josiah!" she cried, her eyes blazing. "What gives you the right to throw my ring? Are you insane? I'm not your wife!"

Her clear gaze was fixed on him, her words almost gritted. "We've been separated for four years, and we haven't had a real marriage for a long time! We're not a couple!"

"You—" Josiah was taken aback, his anger intense. He hadn't expected Sienna to be so upset. He narrowed his eyes. "So, are you trying to find yourself a husband now? Do you like Ryan? What a joke!"

He said coldly, "He wouldn't even dare tell me who you are! And you think he would marry you? Stop dreaming!"

"I know he wouldn't," Sienna said, lifting her chin, undaunted.

"You know?" Josiah was stunned. "You know and yet you're still with him? Sienna, are you crazy? You're too young to be someone's mistress!"

"What's so bad about being a mistress?" Sienna asked, puzzled.

"What's wrong with you?" Josiah was shocked. "If he doesn't marry you, you'll never be secure! He could leave you at any time! You fool!"

"If he marries me, then I'm secure?" Sienna laughed, her gaze mocking. "Don't joke, Josiah. I've been married. And what happened? Did I get any security?"

Josiah was speechless.

Sienna continued, "I was a newlywed for less than two months, and my husband's visits home could be counted on one hand! After that, he sent me abroad for four years. Tell me, Josiah, where's this supposed marriage security, huh?"

She raised her voice, challenging him. Josiah's jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his face appearing bluish-gray under the lights.

It was indeed all his doing. But Josiah clenched his teeth and shouted, "Isn't it your own doing? How can you blame me?"

"Hmph," Sienna laughed coldly. "Yeah, you're right. If I'm so annoying to you, why care about me?"