Chapter 13
Howard lay in bed, quiet and still. Years had gone by, and he still looked much the same, as if he were simply in the middle of a long, deep sleep.
Yet, whenever Sienna remembered the days when he was full of life, she just couldn’t come to terms with what had happened to him.
“They say good people get their just rewards. Howard was one of the good ones, but here he is, stuck in a coma for years. And the chances are, he’ll never wake up, she thought, a bitter taste in her mouth.
Just then, the bathroom door swung open, and the caregiver came out with a basin. Noticing Sienna’s red eyes, he politely nodded, “Hello.”
“Hi. Sienna replied. Spotting the basin in his hand, she asked, “You wiping his face?”
“No, I’m about to shave him,” the caregiver responded.
Sienna nodded. Howard’s stubble had grown a bit too long, giving his face a slight bluish tinge. She reached out her hand and said, “Let me do it. I can shave him.”
When Howard first had the accident, she was the one taking care of him. Back then, Miranda was heartbroken and in poor health, Josiah was extremely busy, and Yvette was expecting a baby–Sienna had been the only one available.
If the family members agreed, the caregivers usually didn’t object. He placed the basin on the bedside table and handed over the towel. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” Sienna wet the towel and began to warm Howard’s cheeks and chin–he had a full beard. Then she applied some shaving cream, picked up the razor, and began to shave him carefully.
She was so zoned in she didn’t even notice the door swing open and Yvette stride in.
Yvette had twisted her ankle, so she was walking a bit slowly. Once she reached the bedside, she looked at Sienna in surprise. “Sienna, is that really you?”
She couldn’t help but frown. “Why are you here? What are you up to?”
Sienna glanced at her. Tm here to see Howard. As for what I’m doing? Can’t you see? I’m shaving him.”
Yvette chuckled softly. “I can see that, but do you really think that’s what I meant?”
“Then what do you mean?” Sienna shot back, her gaze locked onto Yvette’s.
Yvette crossed her arms and shook her head. “Alright, you’ve seen Howard. You can leave now. There are caregivers here, we don’t need you interfering.”
Sienna grinned, not taking her eyes off Yvette. “You’re trying to get rid of me the moment you arrive. What gives, Got something to hide? Feeling a little guilty?”
“What do you mean?” Yvette frowned, her expression darkened.
Sienna smirked, pointing at Howard. “Since Josiah isn’t around, you can drop the act
Yvette?
Her eyes fixed on Yvette’s stomach. “What really went down back then? You might have had everyone else fooled, but can you fool yourself? Honestly, do you think you’re being fair to Howard?”
Yvette was taken aback. “What are you talking about? That’s nonsense.”
22:20 Sat, Jan 4
Chapter 13
Sienna let out a cold laugh for four years, haven’t you felt a twinge of guilt when you look at Howard?”
“I don’t know what you’re getting at, Yvette retorted, her face a mix of anger and embarrassment as she pointed to the door. “Get out. You’re not wanted here!”
At the entrance of the VIP building. Josiah was on the phone with Miranda. Knowing Sienna had come alone to visit Howard, Miranda wasted no time in calling Josiah to go get Sienna.
Josiah, be reasonable. It’s way out here, and it’s getting late. Sienna’s alone…” Miranda said.
“Got it, Grandma,” Josiah sighed, rubbing his forehead. Fortunately, he’d already planned on stopping by Howard’s place tonight. “I’m here now. Don’t stress, I’ll see she gets home safe, alright?”
“I appreciate it,” Miranda smiled.
Josiah walked while on the phone until he reached the hospital room. He pushed the door open and saw Yvette pointing at the door, saying, “Get out. You’re not wanted here!”
He glanced over and saw Sienna by the bed. His expression clouded over, his eyes as cold as ice. “Sienna, what did you do to Yvette?”
“Josiah,” Yvette called out, her eyes brimming with tears.
“It’s okay. I’m here,” Josiah reassured her, striding over to her side.
“Tell her to leave.” Yvette clung to his arm, begging, “I don’t want to see her. Make her leave now.”
Seeing Yvette’s distress, Josiah didn’t waste any time. He spun towards Sienna, his gaze intense, “You heard her, right? Time to go!”
Sienna let out a faint, icy chuckle, set the razor down, wiped her hands on a towel, and then turned to make her exit. “Hold on!” Josiah, seeing how wronged Yvette looked, felt he needed to stand up for her. He grabbed the bunch of yellow calla lilies from the table and questioned, “Are these from you?”
“Yeah,” Sienna nodded.
“Take them with you.” Josiah flicked his hand dismissively.
Sienna was shocked. ‘Don’t I even have the right to give flowers to Howard?”
“Why are you waiting for?” Josiah’s patience was wearing thin as he watched her just stand there. He marched over, grabbed the bunch of calla lilies, and practically shoved them into Sienna’s arms.
His voice was icy and biting as he added, “Do you think Howard would care about the flowers you brought? If it weren’t for you, his kid would be three years old by now.”
Josiah stared at Sienna, his gaze as cold as steel. “I don’t get how you have the nerve to show up here.”
Suddenly, Yvette turned away, her shoulders trembling slightly as if she was on the verge of tears. “Josiah, please stop. I’m begging you.”
Josiah was taken aback, but his anger only intensified towards Sienna. “Get out!”
Sienna clutched the calla lilies silently before whispering, “Fine. m leaving.” She turned and strode away, not even glancing
back.
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Chapter 13
As the door closed, Josiah approached Yvette. “Don’t worry. I’ve made sure she’s gone, and I’ll tell the staff she’s not to come
back.
“Okay, Yvette nodded, her voice thick with emotion.
Standing at the nearest bus stop to the hospital, Sienna was at a loss. ‘No way! The buses here stop at eight? How am I supposed to get back?
“Do I have to walk again? I just trekked for two hours Inst night, and now I’m facing the same ofdeal? I’d only been back a few days, and I’m already at odds with this bus schedule?”
Sienna couldn’t help but curse herself for not checking the times But there was no other option, and it looked like she’d be walking.
This private hospital was even more secluded than Miranda’s nursing home. It was all about the peaceful environment, but right now, it was a pain for Sienna.
She walked alone, surrounded by empty streets. There wasn’t a person in sight, and only a few cars drifted by. The silence
was eerie,
Suddenly, a motorcycle sped past her, then quickly U–turned and stopped in front of her.
Mike, the young guy with dyed blond hair on the motorcycle, gave her a sly grin. “Hey there, walking alone? Hop on, and I’ll give you a ride.”
Catching a strong whiff of smoke and alcohol from him, Sienna frowned, “No, thanks.”
She took a few steps forward, but Mike blocked her path, his eyes roaming over her long legs. “I said I’ll give you a ride, come on, get on.”
As he spoke, he hopped off the motorcycle, grabbed Sienna’s hand, and tried to pull her onto the bike.
“Let go!” Sienna shuddered and struggled fiercely. “I said let go!
Mike grinned, “Don’t be shy. Come on, I’ll take you home.”
“Get lost!” Sienna mustered all her strength, swung her backpack and hit Mike.
“You dare hit me?” Mike’s face contorted with rage, and with a swift motion, he sent Sienna crashing to the ground.
In the blink of an eye, he was on top of her. He raised his hand, traced her cheek, and said, “You’re so gorgeous, and your skin is so soft.”
Sienna’s body went rigid, and her stomach lurched as if she might vomit.
She always kept pepper spray and a makeshift weapon–a half–brick for emergencies–in her bag. In her panic, she fumbled through her bag but only managed to grab the half–brick. Without hesitation, she swung it at Mike.
There was a dull “thud,” and his head immediately began to bleed. He yelped in pain, clutching his forehead as blood smeared across his head, face, and hands.
Mike’s eyes bulged in disbelief as he yelled, “You’re a murderer! Em calling the police!”
