Chapter 102
Josiah stood quietly on the side, watching, a pang of melancholy washing over him.
He hadn’t expected Sienna and Howard to share such a deep bol From what he remembered, Howard always cherished Sienna. Howard was a kind man, kind to everyone, in fact,
It made perfect sense for Sienna to hold 11oward in such high regard. After all, when she caused that child to die back then. she must have been heartbroken, even if her relationship with Yette had always been less than ideal
Back then, my mind was consumed by guilt toward Howard. I never once considered her perspective. But now, thinking about it is meaningless, he wondered.
As they left the hospital room, Josiah noticed her eyes were swollen from crying “Wait here,” he said softly. Til get a cold pack from the nurse. It’ll help with the swelling”
Her eyes were so red and puffy that she could barely keep them open. Going out like this would only draw attention.
“Thank you,” Sienna murmured, her voice distant, her nod barely perceptible.
But the moment Josiah turned away, it was like she snapped back to reality. Without hesitation, she spun on her heel and made a beeline for the hospital exit.
She had made up her mind. Yvette hadn’t lied. Howard was awake now, and Josiah admired him deeply.
He wouldn’t stay with Yvette any longer, not if it risked Howard misunderstanding the situation. That was why Josiah needed her back in his life. He needed a shield,
“So that’s why he’s been acting so differently lately, going out of his way to be kind, to care, she thought. Just the thought of it made her shudder uncontrollably.
It had been years since she’d felt this kind of dread. That suffocating despair of being trapped in a loveless marriage came rushing back, like a drowning person flailing for air, fighting against the inevitable.
When Josiah returned with the cold pack, Sienna was gone.
“Where is she?” he asked the nurse urgently.
“That young woman? She just left. Not long ago, she might still be nearby…” she added.
Before the nurse could finish, Josiah turned on his heel and sprimed toward the exit. His long strides quickly closed the distance, and just as he reached the doors, he saw her.
“Siennal” he called out
Her heart sank at the sound of his voice. She froze momentarily before glancing back. There he was, his brows furrowed, running toward her. At that moment, fear surged within her, nearly paralyzing her.
“Sienna” Josiah reached out, catching her wrist in a firm grip. With a pull, he yanked her closer, misjudging his strength.
She stumbled, her body colliding with his chest.
A sudden tremor coursed through her, her pupils dilated with panic. “Ah!” she cried out, her voice trembling with terror.
Josiah froze. Sienna… Is she crazy again? It’s been so long since I last saw her like this… What triggers this? he wondered.
“Let go” she screamed, her voice shaking uncontrollably. “Let go of me!”
13
וון
20:45 Mon, Jan 6
Chapter 102
“Alright, alright.” Josial aid quickly, lifting his hands in surrender as he released her wrist. I let go. Don’t be afraid
She glared at him, her eyes filled with mistrust. “Step back.”
“Okay. I’ll step back.” he said, taking
ious steps away.
Her behavior was clearly off, and it left him no choice but to comply.
The elevator doors opened just then, and Sienna darted inside, furiously pressing the close button.
She muttered under her breath, “Come on, hurry… Hurry!”
“Sienna!” Josiah said.
But the doors slid shut right before his eyes. Josiah was a second oo late, and all he could do was slam his palm against the elevator door in frustration.
The elevator descended to the first floor, and Sienna stepped out trembling, She didn’t stop. She couldn’t. Fear spurred her forward, terrified that Josiah might catch up.
She kept her head down, rushing blindly ahead until she collided with someone.
“Ah!” she gasped, stumbling back. Instinctively, she apologized. Im sorry… Sorry…”
The person she bumped into looked down at her, a familiar voice laced with concern. “Sienna?”
Her head snapped up at the sound of his voice Recognition dawned, followed by disbelief. “Cedric… Cedric!”
“It’s me,” Cedric said, his brows knitting together in worry. “What’s going on?”
“What’s wrong?” Cedric asked, noticing the way Sienna was trembling. Her face was pale, and her lips lacked color. She looked like she was terrified.
“What happened? What are you afraid of? Is someone chasing you?” he asked.
“Yes,” Sienna’s emotions were all over the place, despite her best efforts to stay calm.
In her panic, her eyes reddened, and tears began to form, misting over her gaze.
Cedric’s heart twisted, and in a soft voice, he said, “Come with me. I won’t hurt you. Do you trust me?”
Sienna nodded shakily.
“Alright, let’s go,” he said,
Cedric led the way, guiding her into the utility room on the first Boor. She was in the room and he slipped inside quickly. “Sienna. Josiah came running from the elevator, his sharp features twisted with concern as he scanned the area. “Sienna? Where are you? Can you hear me calling you?” he called out.
Frum a short distance away, Sienna heard his voice, and her face paled even further, her trembling intensifying.
Cedric watched silently, a thousand questions in his mind, but he didn’t dare ask. He feared that if he did, it might only make things worse.
A few moments later, Josiah, unable to find h
in the lobby, ran outside.
Cedric waited a little longer before cautiously stepping outside himself. He noticed that Sienna seemed to be calming down,
Chapter 102
her fear not as overwhelming as before.
He tried gently. “How about I step out and take a quick look? Will you wait for me here!
“Okay” Sienna nodded, her voice soft. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Cedric smiled lightly before stepping out.
Just as he left the room, he spotted Josiah driving past the door. De let out a quiet sigh of relief and quickly returned to the utility room.
Sienna was still standing in the same spot, not having moved arch.
“He’s gone
now,” Cedric said in an even gentler tone. “You don’t have to be afraid anymore. You can come out
“Oh…” Sienna nodded slowly, stepping out of the room. She took a deep breath, exhaling long and slow as if shedding some of her fear.
She smiled apologetically at Cedric. “Sorry for the trouble.”
“It’s fine,” Cedric reassured her, not bothered in the slightest. “It wasn’t a problem. How are you feeling now? Would you like me to take you home?”
It wasn’t easy to get a ride from here, and Sienna still didn’t look well. Even if she refused, he couldn’t leave her alone in this
state.
Noticing her hesitation, Cedric frowned. “Don’t worry about refusing. Think of it as something friends do. Helping each other out is the right thing to do.”
“Alright.” Sienna finally agreed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Let’s go,” he said.
Once in the car, Cedric glanced at her through the rearview mirror. “Where should I take you?”
“12th Avenue,” Sienna replied,
“Okay” Cedric nodded, his thoughts clouded with concern, but he didn’t press her for answers just yet. Sienna, leaning back in the seat with her eyes closed, gradually seemed to relax, her color returning to her face.
The drive continued, and by the time they reached the intersection at Lyceum Street, Cedric slowed the car and stopped. “We’re here,” he said. Sienna slowly opened her eyes, her gaze now clear, her usual calm restored. “Thank you.”
She leaned forward to grab her bag from the back seat.
“Wait… Cedric spoke up, stopping her.
She leaned over to grab her bag from the back seat.
