Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance

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."

Josiah's heart clenched tightly upon hearing that, turning his vision d a r k for abr ief moment.

"Mr. Flynn," Joyce whispered. Growing up in a single-parent household, coupled with her illness, had made Joyce extraordinarily sensitive. "I don't want to leave Mommy behind. I'll get better."

"I know," Josiah said, his throat tightened, and the taste of iron crept up. He held Joyce close while gently patting her back. "You'll get better and stay with your mommy for a long, long time."

"Mm-hmm." Joyce smiled, her trust in Josiah was unwavering.

"Then I'm not worried anymore."

*****

After a long day, Joyce fell asleep a little after seven in the evening. Tara, having finished eating, came in to take over. "Mr. Flynn, please go get something to eat. I'll stay with her."

"Okay." Josiah nodded and got up. He had fought hard for this from Sienna-to stay by Joyces side at the hospital until her surgery and recovery were over.

Joyce's well-being was the top priority, so Sienna agreed.

Fortunately, Conner had booked a suite, spacious enough to accommodate them all.

In the cafeteria, Sienna had just finished her meal when she crossed paths with Josiah. "Hurry up and eat before it gets cold."

"Al right." Josiah pulled out a chair, sat down, and began eating.

He had barely taken two bites when Sienna's phone rang.

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

Josiah glanced up just in time to see Sienna stepping out of the inpatient room. "Cedric," Sienna called out, waving her hand from the doorway.

"Over here."

Earlier, Cedric had expressed his wish to visit, but Sienna had turned him down. This was her matter to handle. Besides, Conner and Josiah were around.

Cedric understood Sienna only saw him as a friend now, and knowing that she had enough support, he hadn't insisted. Since he couldn't visit during the day, he came after work instead.

"Sienna," Cedric said, slightly out of breath from rushing over.noveldrama

"How's everything? Did it all go smoothly today?"

Sienna smiled faintly. "Yes, everything's settled." She glanced at the time. "You just got here-have you eaten?"

"No," Cedric replied "Well then-" Sienna was about to suggest something. "Sienna," Cedric interrupted with a smile. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, handmade cloth pouch.

"What's this?" Sienna asked.

Cedric seemed slightly embarrassed. "I went to St. Millenium Church today."

"St. Millenium Church?" Sienna asked. St. Millenium Church was a century-old sanctuary in the western suburbs of Jeiacrity. Its prayers remained unwavering even now. Sienna was surprised.

"Do you believe in that?"

"I do when I need to." Cedric chuckled and handed Sienna the cloth pouch. He then cleared his throat. "I went there to get a lucky charm for Joyce."

Sienna was momentarily stunned as she thought, 'So it's for me..' "Pretty silly, right?" Cedric's face grew warm. "I know it's just superstition, but consider it a good omen."

Sienna remained silent for a beat too long, making Cedric nervous.

"If you don't believe in this kind of thing, I can just-"

"Don't." Sienna came to her senses, quickly closing her hand around the pouch and pretending to glare at Cedric. "Since when can a gift be taken back?"

"So, you'll accept it?" Cedric asked.

"Of course Sienna unwrapped the small cloth pouch and took out the lucky charm inside. There was also a hanging rope tied to the lucky charm. She turned to Cedric with a warm smile. "Thank you.

I truly appreciate this."

Sienna's fingertips traced over the delicate charm, her eyes dimming slightly.

"Fiona used to go to St. Millenium Church often.

If she were still around, she would've prayed for Joyce too." She turned to Cedric with a warm smile. "Thank you. I truly appreciate this."

"You're welcome. There's not much I can do for Joyce." Cedric hesitated for a moment, then pulled out another small box from his pocket. "This is for you."

"And what's this?" Sienna asked.

"A cinnabar rosary." Cedric opened the box. "You haven't been sleeping well lately. Cinnabar is said to calm the mind and bring peace. Wearing this might

help."

Sienna chuckled softly. Her sleepless nights weren't due to any ailment-she had simply been worrying over Joyce's surgery.

However, Cedric's gesture came from a place of genuine concern.

"Thank you." Sienna's eyes glistened slightly, a warmth blooming in her chest. Cedric was genuinely kind.

"Let me put it on for you," Cedric offered.

"Sure," Sienna agreed and Cedric carefully slipped the bracelet on to her wrist.

Meanwhile, inside the room, Josiah quickly averted his gaze.

Lowering his head, he scooped a mouthful of rice and stuffed it into his mouth.

Josiah thought, 'What rice is this? It's so bitter. He picked up some vegetables and stuffed them into his mouth. I was still bland, so he continued stuffing until his mouth could hold no more. Yet, the bitterness lingered, unbearably so.

*****

That night, Josiah stayed in the inpatient room to watch over Joyce. Tara had returned to Sunshine Neighborhood for the night, planning to return in the morning, while Sienna rested in the adjacent family ward. Deep into the night, Joyce was steeping peacefully.

As drowsiness weighed heavily on Josiah as he rested on the couch, he heard a

noise outside.

It seemed the nurse had arrived. "Ms. Shaw, is Mr. Fischer with you?" the nurse

asked.