Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance Novel

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 come to 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 came out 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 , Let me do 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 some shaving 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 of me the 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 come alone to visit Howard , Miranda wasted no time in 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 home safe , 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 ? Time to 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 Ill tell the staff shes not to come back .

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 Inst night , and now Im facing the same ofdeal ? 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 , then quickly U 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 Ill 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 , come on , 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 .

Come on , 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 a swift 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 !