Chapter 10
Sienna paused. ‘He’s bringing up something from four years age isn’t he? In his eyes, I’m just a terrible sinner‘
She smiled slightly and quietly pulled her arm away, deciding to meet their expectations. “Miranda, I really shouldn’t have been careless.
Miranda frowned and let out a sigh. “How could you be so careless? How am I supposed to introduce you to everyone now?
“People might get the wrong idea and think the Flynn family is snubbing you or that you don’t respect them. How are you going to build a connection with them in the future?”
She then turned to Josiah. “Don’t you have a spare dress? Give it to Sienna. She can’t wear this.”
Before Josiah could say anything, Sienna smiled and said, “No worries. If it’s a hassle, you don’t have to introduce me.” Miranda looked surprised. “How can we skip that? This is a welcome party for you. We have to introduce you.”
Josiah and Yvette were caught off guard as well, and they both turned to look at Sienna, their expressions puzzled.
Sienna ignored their looks and smiled at Miranda. “It’s alright. Your kind gesture with the welcome party means a lot to me. Everything else is secondary”
“Well.. Miranda hesitated, looking like she had some reservations.
Sfenna picked up on it and added, “We’ve got plenty of time. There’ll be more opportunities down the line.”
It looked like there was no other option. Miranda held Sienna’s hand and gently patted it. “I’m so sorry for putting you in this position.”
“Don’t say that. I’m really not bothered.” Sienna chuckled, pulling her hand back. The guests are still waiting, so you should get back to them. I can’t just stay dressed like this and keep you company.”
“Okay” Miranda sighed helplessly and nodded. “Take care of yourself, and come chat with me later.”
“Got it,” Sienna smiled.
Yvette looped her arm through Miranda’s, trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t be down. Sienu back now, and there’ll be plenty of days for her to hang out with you. Tonight, let me be your company.”
“Good girl,” Miranda said, patting Yvette’s hand. “I love you just as much. You’re both wonderful kids.”
They laughed and chatted as they walked away, with Josiah trailing behind them. After a couple of steps, he felt a strange urge to look back at Sienna.
From afar, he watched as she walked away slowly, her slim figure seeming lonely and forlorn. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d pushed things too far.
Josiah? Ahead, Yvette noticed he hadn’t caught up and turned to look at him. She saw his gaze fixed on Sienna and pursed her lips. “Are you upset about what I said earlier?”
“No. Josiah replied, withdrawing his gaze and shaking his head. You just didn’t want Grandma to worry, and you handled it really well. I can’t blame you for that.”
Wette smiled slightly. “As long as you understand me, that’s what matters. Let’s get going,”
“Alright, Josiah nodded.
Chapter 10
Sienna’s table was tucked away in a corner, surrounded by a few infamiliar faces. But that was just what she needed–a little quiet.
However, things didn’t go as planned. The girls were eyeing her outfit and whispering to each other.
“Who is she?”
“No idea. Can someone really show up at Miranda’s party dressed like that?”
Sienna tuned them out and focused on her food. She still felt hungry after the appetizers.
The soup is really good, she thought to herself, setting her spoon down. Then she cradled the bowl with both hands and eagerly drank it down.
“Ew!”
“She’s so rude!”
“Come on, let’s go.”
The girls walked off, clearly ticked off. Sienna gently set the bowl back down, a look of relief spreading across her face as the noise faded away.
Suddenly, someone pulled out the chair next to her. Confused. Sienna looked up and saw Josiah leaning on the table, slightly turned toward her.
‘What’s he doing here? Did I annoy him again?‘ she wondered, her voice barely above a whisper as she asked, “Do you need something?”
“Nothing.” Josiah frowned as he glanced at the plate in front of her, which was now piled high with bones–he remembered she used to eat much less.
Josiah wasn’t sure why he had come over; maybe it was guilt. He didn’t really like Sienna, but fair was fair–this was a welcome party for her, and yet she hadn’t shown up.
He cleared his throat before starting, “Well, tonight was a coincidence. Yvette is Howard’s wife, and she’s been struggling in the entertainment industry these past few years, so…”
He trailed off, but Sienna got the message–he was here to make amends. How interesting. Even with an apology, Mr. Flynn seems to be dragging his feet. Where’s the genuine remorse in that? she thought.
Unfazed, she offered a faint smile. “I know, I caught all of that just now.”
Her calm demeanor made Josiah increasingly uncomfortable. He broke his usual rule and asked, “You’re not upset, are you?” Sienna was a bit surprised and found it amusing. But she figured there wasn’t much point in engaging with him; they were practically strangers now. With a soft chuckle, she shook her head. “No. Didn’t you say? Lowe Yvette.”
As Sienna genuinely didn’t seem upset, Josiah nodded, “As long as you understand.”
Seeing him still sitting there, Sienna was puzzled. “Aren’t you leaving?”
Josiah was taken aback. Is she rushing me? The person who couldn’t stand being apart from me every single day is actually pushing me to leave?
“No rush,” he replied. For some reason, he just didn’t want to go. He glanced at the table and put a piece of king crab on her plate. I remember you used to like this.”
22:19 Sat, Jan 4 G
Chapter 10
Josiah actually remembers any favorite foods? Sienna’s eyes widened in surprise, and she said quickly. “Thank you”
“You’re welcome. Just dig in” Josiah raised an eyebrow and stood up “Grandma and Yvette are still waiting for me, so I should head over.” With that, he walked away.
Sienna watched him leave, a slight smile creeping onto her lips Josiah’s “apology” huge favor.”
her lips. Josiah’s “apology” was just that–a piece of crab felt like
“Tsk.” She chuckled and shook her head, picking up the king crab and placing it on an empty plate next to her
It wasn’t that she was being difficult or refusing to eat what Josial had given lier. Sure, she used to love king crab, but that was in the past. People changed, and now she just didn’t like it anymore.
The party was dull and tiring, but Sienna stayed until the end for Miranda’s sake. The whole time, Yvette was right by Josiah’s side–the spot that used to be Sienna’s–chatting it up and seeing the guests off
Sienna watched it all unfold and was cool with it. She saw it as a chance to return the favor for the five years of support Miranda had given her.
Once the last guest had cleared out, the party finally wrapped up. Miranda motioned for Sienna to join her in the room. Miranda held Sienna’s hand and sighed. “Tonight must have been tough for you. By the way, have you seen Howard since you’ve been back?”
Sienna paused, then shook her head honestly. “No, I haven’t
Miranda sighed again. “It’s been four years. Howard used to care so much about you. You should find some time to visit him. Now that you’re back, he should know.”
“Okay,” Sienna nodded, grateful that Miranda truly considered her family.
Miranda glanced at the clock on the wall. “It’s getting late. I won’t keep you. Go home early.”
“Okay, goodnight, Miranda”
“Goodnight
As Sienna stepped out of the room, she unexpectedly spotted Josiah, who seemed to be waiting for her. The moment he saw her, he turned and said, “Let’s go.”
“No need,” Sienna instinctively refused. ‘Shouldn’t he be leaving with Yvette? I really don’t want to get caught in the middle of that.
Josiah’s patience wore thin in an instant. “I said let’s go. You came with me, and I can’t just let you take off on your own Plus…
He glanced back toward the room. “If Grandma finds out we’re leaving separately, she’ll be upset.”
“Come on! Quit messing around!” He reached out and grabbed her wrist.
