Chapter 74

As soon as the spray hit her mouth, Sienna felt the bitterness shoot straight to her brain. It was unbearably bitter. Josiah quickly raised his hand, covering her mouth firmly and glaring at her sternly. "Bitter medicine is good for you! Don't you dare spit it out!"

Sienna was dumbfounded. It was too bitter. She raised her hand, attempting to remove his. "Sienna, are you being disobedient...?" Josiah stood abruptly, his hand lifting from her lips. Before she could react, he gently cupped her cheeks again, bending down to cover her mouth with his own.

The sudden kiss froze Sienna, halting her struggle. She couldn't believe Josiah was kissing her again. Unlike her stiffness, he seemed a little dazed, especially when her long eyelashes brushed his skin, tickling and teasing his nerves. A deep voice, accompanied by his breath, was close to her ear. "Still bitter?"

Sienna's mouth hung open, her mind blank. She stammered, "N-no, not anymore?"

"Really!" Josiah chuckled softly. "Just one kiss from me and it's not bitter anymore?"

Sienna looked confused, unsure if she hadn't heard clearly or didn't understand. "Silly," Josiah said, a sudden, irresistible warmth filling his heart. Impulsively, he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close.

Sienna stared blankly, her mouth slightly open, her breath carrying the bitter medicinal smell. He rolled her name on his tongue. "Sienna," he said in a calm, low voice, "You and Cedric aren't suitable. Tell Grandma tomorrow that you don't like him, okay?"

Suddenly, Sienna came to her senses. She realized she was leaning against him. Quickly breaking away, she stood up and took two quick steps back, putting distance between them.

With his arms empty, Josiah frowned unhappily. "Sienna?"

"Why should I listen to you?" Sienna's mind was in turmoil. Josiah was acting so strangely. He used to dislike her, but now he was holding, hugging, and even kissing her. Trembling slightly, she shook her head firmly. "I think Cedric's nice! My life is none of your business!" Saying this, she turned and ran.

"Sienna!" Josiah's clearly displeased growl followed her. Sienna closed her eyes for a moment, too scared to turn around. She was terrified. She couldn't understand why he was doing all this.

That night, Sienna couldn't sleep. She tossed and turned, unable to get Josiah's face or kiss out of her mind. Before dawn, she got up quietly and slipped out of the Flynn residence without a sound. She had planned to inform Miranda, but that was now impossible. Every extra minute at the Flynn residence increased her fear. It seemed she'd have to apologize to Miranda another time. Back in her bed on 12th Avenue, Sienna finally relaxed and fell asleep peacefully.

In the evening, she arrived at Maze. After changing clothes, just before applying her makeup, Sienna picked up her phone and called Miranda.

"Grandma—"

"Sienna," Miranda sounded displeased. "Where did you go! Why didn't I see you this morning?"

"Grandma," Sienna smiled as she explained, "I left early this morning and I'm calling you now. I've been staying there for a few days, so starting today, I won't be coming back."

"Grandma, we originally agreed that I would just accompany you for a few days, right?"

That was indeed their agreement. Miranda sighed helplessly. "Alright, but remember, you have to come back often. The Flynn residence will always be your home."

"Okay, I know," Sienna replied with a cheeky smile.

As soon as she hung up, Henry came in. Behind him were a delivery person and someone with flowers, instantly filling the dressing room. "Sienna," Henry's face lit up with a smile as he winked at her. "It's Mr. Flynn."

But Sienna couldn't feel happy. Her heart was tugging, and cold sweat drenched her back as fear enveloped her. After the performance, Sienna received a call from Josiah. She really didn't want to answer, but you can't avoid things forever.

"Hello?" Eventually, she decided to pick up.

"What time are you done today?" the man on the other end said. "I'm on my way. I'll pick you up."

"That's not necessary—"

Josiah immediately interrupted her. "I'm telling you, not asking for your opinion. Got it?" After that, he hung up.

Sienna held her phone nervously, biting her lip. She couldn't understand why he'd suddenly changed. She wasn't an innocent girl anymore. Josiah's actions were those of a man towards a woman.

But she would never believe Josiah liked her. She didn't care why; she just didn't want him near her anymore. Thinking of him saying he was on his way, she quickly removed her makeup, tidied up, and ran towards the front door.

"Sienna!" Just as she was about to reach the door, someone grabbed her arm.

"Hmm?" She turned to see Cedric.

Sienna still had a confused expression. Cedric slightly furrowed his brows. "What's wrong? Did something happen?" She looked a bit startled, as if something had scared her.

Sienna hesitated, forcing a dry smile and shaking her head. "It's nothing. I'm just a bit tired and eager to head home."

"Really?" Cedric was doubtful, sensing she wasn't being entirely truthful.

"Yes," Of course, Sienna wasn't going to tell him the truth.

"Alright then," Cedric glanced at his watch. "I need to head out too. Let me give you a ride!"

"How can that be alright?" Sienna quickly shook her head, waving her hand. "I can't have you drive me every day."

Cedric raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Aren't you really tired? Are you in a hurry to get home?"

Just then, Sienna's phone rang. Her heart skipped a beat with a sense of something ominous. She took it out and saw a message from Josiah: I'm at the front door. Are you done? Or should I come in?

Sienna's face turned several shades paler after reading it.

"Sienna?" Cedric noticed something was wrong. "Are you alright?"

"Uh?" Clutching her phone tightly, Sienna forced a smile. "I'm fine." She needed to know what to do. If she went out now, Josiah would definitely catch her. Panicked, she turned to Cedric. "Could you please give me a ride home?"

Cedric was taken aback for a moment, then his face lit up with joy, and he nodded with a smile. "Of course." He raised his arm and gestured. "After you."

"Thank you!"

At the entrance, across the street, Josiah sat in his car, holding his phone, waiting for Sienna to reply. When he looked up, he noticed a man and a woman walking out together, chatting and laughing.