Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance

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 couldnt cto 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, hell never wake up, she thought, a bitter taste in her mouth.

Just then, the bathroom door swung open, and the caregiver cout with a basin. Noticing Siennas red eyes, he politely nodded, Hello.

Hi.

Sienna replied.

Spotting the basin in his hand, she asked, You wiping his face ? No, Im about to shave him, the caregiver responded.

Sienna nodded.

Howards stubble had grown a bit too long, giving his face a slight bluish tinge.

She reached out her hand and said, Letdo 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 didnt 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 Howards cheeks and chin he had a full beard.

Then she applied sshaving cream, picked up the razor, and began to shave him carefully. She was so zoned in she didnt 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 couldnt help but frown.

Why are you here? What are you up to? Sienna glanced at her.

Tm here to see Howard.

As for what Im doing? Cant you see? Im shaving him .

Yvette chuckled softly.

I can see that, but do you really think thats what I meant ? Then what do you mean? Sienna shot back, her gaze locked onto Yvettes.

Yvette crossed her arms and shook her head.

Alright, youve seen Howard.

You can leave now.

There are caregivers here, we dont need you interfering.

Sienna grinned, not taking her eyes off Yvette.

Youre trying to get rid ofthe 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 isnt around, you can drop the act Yvette ? Her eyes fixed on Yvettes stomach.

What really went down back then? You might have had everyone else fooled, but can you fool yourself? Honestly, do you think youre being fair to Howard? Yvette was taken aback.

What are you talking about? Thats nonsense.

22:20 Sat, Jan 4 Chapter 13 Sienna let out a cold laugh for four years, havent you felt a twinge of guilt when you look at Howard ? I dont know what youre getting at, Yvette retorted, her face a mix of anger and embarrassment as she pointed to the door.

Get out.

Youre not wanted here ! At the entrance of the VIP building.

Josiah was on the phone with Miranda.

Knowing Sienna had calone to visit Howard, Miranda wasted no tin calling Josiah to go get Sienna. Josiah, be reasonable.

Its way out here, and its getting late.

Siennas alone ... Miranda said Got it, Grandma, Josiah sighed, rubbing his forehead.

Fortunately, hed already planned on stopping by Howards place tonight.

Im here now.

Dont stress, Ill see she gets hsafe, 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.

Youre 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.

Its okay.

Im here, Josiah reassured her, striding over to her side.

Tell her to leave.

Yvette clung to his arm, begging, I dont want to see her.

Make her leave now.

Seeing Yvettes distress, Josiah didnt waste any time.

He spun towards Sienna, his gaze intense, You heard her, right? Tto 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.

Dont I even have the right to give flowers to Howard? Why are you waiting for? Josiahs 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 Siennas arms.

His voice was icy and biting as he added, Do you think Howard would care about the flowers you brought ? If it werent for you, his kid would be three years old by now.

Josiah stared at Sienna, his gaze as cold as steel.

I dont 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.

Im 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.

71 % Chapter 13 As the door closed, Josiah approached Yvette .

Dont worry.

Ive made sure shes gone, and III tell the staff shes not to cback.

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 (nst night, and now im racing the sofdeal? Id only been back a few days, and Im already at odds with this bus schedule? Sienna couldnt help but curse herself for not checking the times But there was no other option, and it looked like shed be walking. This private hospital was even more secluded than Mirandas 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 wasnt a person in sight, and only a few cars drifted by

The silence was eerie, Suddenly, a motorcycle sped past her, thenm quickly 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 III 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 Ill give you a ride, con, get on.

As he spoke, he hopped off the motorcycle, grabbed Siennas hand, and tried to pull her onto the bike.

Let go! Sienna shuddered and struggled fiercely.

I said let go ! Mike grinned, Dont be shy.

Con, Ill take you home.

Get lost! Sienna mustered all her strength, swung her backpack and hit Mike.

You dare hit me? Mikes face contorted with rage and with alswift 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, Youre so gorgeous, and your skin is so soft. Siennas 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.

Mikes eyes bulged in disbelief as he yelled, Youre a murderer ! Em calling the police !