Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance

Chapter 411

Early in the morning, Sienna rose to pack Joyce's bag for the day ahead. The previous night, Tara had received a call from Josiah, informing her that he would be coming to pick up Joyce today.

Howard had likely informed Joyce about her outing with Josiah. Joyce didn't need Sienna to wake her up. She got up on her own.

She trailed behind Sienna like a little shadow. "Mommy, when is Mr. Flynn coming?"

Sienna smiled and pointed to the clock on the wall. "He will be here at eight o'clock."

Five minutes to eight, the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it," Joyce said. She eagerly ran to open the door and then burst into laughter. "It's Mr. Flynn."

"Good morning, Joyce." Josiah bent down, extended his arms to lift her, and glanced up as Sienna approached with a bag.

Sienna maintained a calm expression as she handed him the bag. "These are Joyce's: her water bottle, wet wipes... I've also included a note detailing what she likes to eat, what she doesn't, and some of her little habits."

"All right." Josiah took the bag, tucked it under his arm, and nodded. "I'll keep that in mind."

As he spoke, he observed her closely. She appeared to be in good spirits and had been doing well these past few days.

Sienna didn't say anything more and gently caressed Joyce's little face. "Have fun, Joyce."

Joyce lay on Josiah's shoulder and waved her hand. "Bye, Mommy."

"Behave and listen to Mr. Flynn, all right?" Sienna saw them out, waving with a smile. "Be careful and have fun!"

"Okay!" Joyce beamed.

As Josiah held Joyce, bitterness welled up in his heart.

Sienna didn't avoid him at all. She was open and generous. However, everything she said and did was for Joyce.

None of her words were meant for him. He could still see her, but he was locked out of her world. It was a proximity that felt both near and infinitely distant.

Back in the apartment, after seeing Josiah and Joyce off, Sienna headed to the balcony, rolled up her sleeves, and got ready to do the laundry.

afternoon for Joyce to enjoy when she returned in

to the notice she received from Lucas yesterday. Joyce would be admitted

the ward and was simply waiting for the day to

once she overcame this hurdle, only good things would remain in her

*****

on a weekend when a rapid knocking at

"Conner, I'm coming in." Without waiting for his response, she pushed

turned over and sat up in bed, still groggy with his eyes barely open.

make sense for Tania

She frowned at the dim room and walked over to

his eyes. "Mom, it's

light, how could you bring yourself to hurt

you talking

Conner was momentarily stunned,

faded slightly. "Mom, Sienna is Aunt Tiffany's daughter. She's both your stepdaughter and

words. "Then

been kind to her."

frowned. "I

"And?" Tania pressed.

remained silent, refusing

"You're just avoiding

incident with Reyna, Tania had cornered

but he never divulged

if you kept

were sharp. "Conner, you better come

her

"Why have you been spending so much time at the hospital lately? And why

of next month? Who are

for? Explain yourself!"

He picked up the phone

been managing the Fischer family supermarket all these years, giving

could still easily access his

to keep it a secret. Seeing the bank statements, Conner felt a