Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance

Chapter 416

Chapter 416

After breakfast, the group set off for the hospital in two cars. The inpatient room had been arranged in advance by Conner. A nurse led them inside, ensuring everything was settled before handling the admission procedure.

Shortly after, Lucas arrived to check on them. "Over the next two days, we'll be conducting a series of tests and preparation for the surgery," he said.

"Help them get familiar with the hospital environment, and make sure they rest well. Make arrangements for any necessary dietary or lifestyle adjustments," Lucas added.

"Understood," a nurse answered. A designated nurse took charge of the examinations, leading Joyce and Conner through one test after another, circling nearly the entire treatment building. Some of the procedures were downright uncomfortable.

Even Conner, a grown man, found the process exhausting-let alone Joyce. Every test was an ordeal for her, a battle against her tiny, fragile body.

"Mr. Flynn," Joyce whimpered, burying her tear-streaked face in Josiah's shoulder. "Is it not over yet? I feel awful."

Josiah had carried Joyce the entire time, refusing to let her take a single step on her own. Watching Joyce suffer was already agonizing enough-Josiah could barely stand the sound of her crying.

"Joyce, honey." Josiah hugged Joyce tightly, his heart aching for her. "This is the last one. After this checkup, we can proceed with the surgery. And once that's done, you'll be all better-you'll be a healthy little girl again," Josiah said.

"Really?" Joyce's eyes darted toward Sienna. Although Joyce loved Josiah dearly, deep in her heart, Sienna remained her greatest source of trust and security. "Mommy, is that true?" she asked.

Sienna's nose tingled with emotion. She reached out, gently stroking Joyce's hair. "Yes, Joyce. You're so brave. Just one last test, okay?"

"Okay." Joyce pressed her lips together in a determined little pout.

She nodded, swallowing back her tears.

"Mr. Fischer, Mr. Flynn, we're ready for the next test..." The nurse assisting them approached to inform them.

"Okay." Josiah lifted Joyce and noticed she had fallen silent.

Concern flickered across his face. "Joyce, why aren't you saying anything? Are you scared?" he asked.

"No, I'm not." Joyce shook her head repeatedly, rubbing her cheek against Josiah's shoulder. "I'm not scared... I'm not scared, so Mommy won't be scared either."

Josiah froze. His vision blurred as tears threatened to spill. He forced them back, his throat tight and dry. "Joyce... You knew your mommy was afraid?"

"Yes." Joyce nodded. At such a young age, she might not even understand her own words. Joyce continued, "I was sick and was sleeping... I heard Mommy crying... Mommy told me not to leave her alone... She said she can't live without me."

hearing that, turning his vision d a r k for abr ief

a single-parent household, coupled with her illness, had made Joyce extraordinarily sensitive. "I don't want to leave Mommy behind. I'll

know," Josiah said, his throat tightened, and the taste of iron crept up. He held Joyce close

trust

I'm not

*****

Tara, having finished eating, came in to take over. "Mr. Flynn,

He had fought hard for this from Sienna-to stay by Joyces side at the hospital until her surgery and recovery were

was the top

suite, spacious enough to accommodate them

crossed paths with Josiah. "Hurry

out a

had barely taken two bites when Sienna's phone

Sienna swiped to answer while rising from her seat and walking toward the door. "You're here? Yes, V19. I'll

just in time to see Sienna stepping out of the inpatient

"Over here."

but Sienna had turned him down. This was her matter

saw him as a friend now, and knowing that she had enough support,

Cedric said, slightly out of breath from

it

everything's settled." She glanced at the

to suggest something. "Sienna," Cedric interrupted with a smile. He reached into his pocket and pulled

"What's this?" Sienna asked.

slightly embarrassed. "I went to St. Millenium Church

century-old sanctuary in the western suburbs

you believe in

Sienna the cloth pouch. He then cleared his throat. "I went

silly, right?" Cedric's face grew warm. "I know it's just

silent for a beat

believe in this kind of thing, I

hand around the pouch and pretending to glare at Cedric. "Since when can a gift be taken

accept

There was also a hanging rope tied to the lucky charm. She turned to Cedric

I truly appreciate this."