Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance

Chapter 4 Josiah smirked coldly.

So its about money.

Its only been a month.

Why the hurry? Dont worry, youll get what you need- just wait .

Do you think we cant spare you a d? After a moment, he added, From now on, dont callunless its really important.

If something comes up, Ill reach our .

With that, he hung up.

He despisesthat much.

Sienna stared at her phone, stunned Her face drained of color as she realized how pathetic she must have seemed, begging him for money.

She raised a hand and rested it on her still flat belly, letting out a cold, bitter laugh.

After a while, she closed her eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Eight months later, in Fliratys slums, Sienna lay asleep in bed, her belly now round and swollen.

Her due date was just days but the doctor had warned her that her baby was breech and suggested she get to the hospital early.

away.

Sienna had only forced a smile, saying nothing she had no money.

Eight months ago, after that heartless call with Josiah, she still hadnt seen a dfor living expenses.

She had burned through her savings and could no longer afford her apartment, so she moved to the slums.

She never asked him for money again she couldnt bear to be called a parasite one more time.

After settling down, Sienna had found a part tjob, trying to balance work and school.

Even though she wasnt making much, she managed to scrape by and feed herself.

Suddenly, a loud noise yanked her out of her sleep.

Whoa, what the heck- Fire ! Run for your lives! Sienna bolted out of bed and flung open the door to a scene of pare chaos thick smoke swirled and flames shot into the sky.

Right away, fear clutched at her chest.

Sienna ! her neighbor, also an exchange student, yelled urgently What are you doing? Its on fire.

Hurry up and get out.

Okay, Sienna replied, panic rising as she rushed to grab her backpack.

But just as she turned, her neighbor grabbed her arm.

Are you crazy? Where are you going? Just get out.

I cant ! Sienna screamed, her voice cracking with desperation.

All her money was still inside every penny she had saved for her unborn child, hospital bills, and everything.

I have to go back, she said, determination in her eyes.

But as soon as she took a step, a beam ccrashing down right in front of her.

Sienna reacted just in time, stepping back.

She was okay, but the way into her place was now completely blocked.

Sienna, run! her neighbor shouted.

No! Sienna shook her head fiercely.

She yanked her arm free from her neighbor and sprinted back inside, blocking out the chaos around her, Chapter 4 A gust of wind drove a blaze joward her.

She spun out of the way, but the flames still managed to graze her lower back, causing her to wince and cry out in pain.

Sienna ! The neighbor pulled her back hard.

You good! Im fine, Sienna said, shaking her head, but the dense smoke hi her coughing even more fiercely. We gotta move.

No going back in there, the neighbor urged, gripping Siennas arm firmly.

But... Sienna hesitated.

This smoke isnt just bad for you its dangerous for your little one too .

If you dont listen up, you could lose it all.

Go, now ! the neighbor insisted, practically dragging Sienna away.

Eventually, Sienna escaped the fire zone.

Her back was burned, and she hadnt managed to grab any cash.

With a heavy heart, she watched as her worn out house got swallowed by the fames, turning into ashes.

What should I do after this? she thought, feeling overwhelmed .

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced her stomach, causing her to wince and double over.

A crowd quickly formed around her, their voices a mix of concern and urgency.

Whats wrong? Shes going into labor ! Someone call 911.

We need to get her to the hospital, stat! Ah! Push ! Sienna lay on the delivery bed, going through over ten hours of intense labor.

Finally, she delivered her baby.

When the nurse gently laid the baby in Siennas arms, tears of joy rolled down her cheeks this was her baby, and she wouldnt be alone anymore.

With a sigh of relief, she closed her eyes and passed out.

When Sienna opened her eyes again, she found the snurse standing by her bedside.

The nurse was there to remind her about the hospital bills.

Sienna had managed to cover a part, but it was far from enough.

Clutching her newborn close, Siennas eyes were heavy with worry, and she was silent.

She knew she needed to say something, but being flat broke left her speechless.

The soft hearted nurse sighed, guessing Siennad been abandoned by a heartless guy.

Dont you have any family or friends? Contact them; maybe they can help, she said and then left without pushing Sienna too hard.

Sienna lifted her head, eyes brimming with tears.

Family and friends? She didnt have anyone.

But she was a mom now, and she couldnt leave the hospital bill unpaid She pulled her phone from her bag.

After eight months, she dialed Josiahs number again.

The phone rang and rang before finally connecting- Josiah she began.

But soon her stomach dropped as she heard the familiar voice on the other end.

Hello? Is this Sienna Yvette chuckled softly.

Looking for Josiah ? Hes not available right now, but you can tellwhats 22:18 Sat, Jan 4 Chapter 4 going on.

972 % Could she really be this nice? Doesnt she hate? Sienna was keptical, but at this point, she didnt have the luxury of being choosy she was out of options.

Swallowing her pride, she nearly begged, I I was wondering if he could lendsmoney? Please, I swear Ill pay him back.

The moment I get my hands on scash, Ill give it back, Sienna added, her voice.

wavering.

She didnt dare ask Josiah for money directly again.

I get it.

Yvette smiled.

Alright, Ill let him know.

Talk to you later Thanks ... Sienna said, but the line was already cut.

She clutched her phone, her heart racing.

Josiah will lendthe money, wont he? After all, he respects Miranda, and our di ur divgroeisht final yet! But two days flew by, and still no money cthrough.

Sienna food at the hospital entrance, bag over her shoulder and her child in her arms with no way to pay for the hospital fees, she was forced out. She gazed up at the sky, the warm winter sun causing her to squint.

Tears brimmed in her eyes and then streamed down her cheeks.

No crying, Sienna scolded herself through clenched teeth.

You have no right to cry.

You have a child to take care of.

No tears! But the reality was harsh.

She was flat broke, and her house in the rough part of town had gone up in flames, leaving her homeless.

Two weeks later, Sienna ran through the streets, her child cradled in her arms.

Stop that thief! She stole something! Someone catch her! The footsteps behind Sienna grew louder, and it seemed she couldnt escape.

Just then, she stumbled and lunged forward.

As she fell, she instinctively twisted to protect her child.

Before she could get up, a store clerk who had been chasing her grabbed her and pinned her down.

Gotcha! Where do you think youre going? Whatd you steal? Give imm back! The clerk yanked her bag away Unzipped it, and spilled the contents onto the sidewalk. The onlookers leaned in, murmuring amongst themselves.

Baby formula? Diapers? Why would she take these? Look, shes holding a baby.

Mortified, Sienna squeezed her eyes shut, wishing the ground would swallow her up her pride was completely shattered.

But with her child clutched tightly to her chest, she knew she couldnt afford to quit SEND GIFT O