Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance Novel

Chapter 20 The phone rang and rang , but Josiah didnt answer .

Sienna frowned and let out a sigh , figuring he was likely tied up with some business lunch or another .

She had no choice but to wait .

Another hour passed , and it was 230 PM .

Only thirty minutes left before her 3 oclock meeting with Josiah .

Suddenly , her phone buzzed , and it was Josiah .

Without wasting second , she answered , Hello , its me Maybe because he was finally free of her , Josiah sounded uncharacteristically cheerful .

Hey , did you call ? I was just swamped .

After a brief pause , he asked .

Where are you ? At the courthouse already ? If you are , just hang tight .

Ill be there soon- Josiah .

Sienna cut him off , stumbling over her word .

Uh , sorry , think I cant make it today .

Can we reschedule ? Just for one day .

I promise Ill be there on time tomorrow .

Josiah went silent .

Then , a cold , sarcastic laugh came through , barely hiding his anger .

Sienna , youre doing it again , arent you ? Even now , youre still trying ? How long are you going to keep bothering me ? Sienna shook her head , No , I didnt Josiah brushed her off , speaking through gritted teeth , Sienna , hated you back then , and I still do now .

Stop living fantasy in a I swear I didnt , Sienna said , her voice tinged with desperation .

Dont worry .

Ill go through with the divorce .

But Im stuck at Bacchus Bridge now .

Its not just me there are a lot of peopl Why would she be at Bacchus Bridge ? Shes just making excuses , Josiah scoffed , clearly not buying it .

Really ? What a convenient coincidence .

I dont care where youre stuck .

You better listen crawl your way here if you have to .

This divorce is happening today , he shouted before hanging up .

Hello ? Sienna stared at her phones dark screen , feeling utterlyst .

After what Josiah had just said , she was out of options The roads were still blocked , so shed have to hoof it Its better than crawling , right ? she thought bitterly , letting out aamirthless chuckle .

Then she slung her bag over her shoulder and stepped out of the car .

A gust of wind , laced with rain , hit her like a ton of bricks .

She raised her arm to shield herself , but it was pretty futile .

The rain was relentless , and she was umbrella less .

Sighing , she steeled herself and pressed on .

With a hoodie on , she yanked the hood over her head , praying it would offer some protection .

Unfortunately , it wasnt much help .

The rain was coming down in buckets , and it wasnt long before she was drenched , the hood plastered to her head , making her feel miserable .

To make matters worse , her stomach was in knots .

Sienna clutched her abdomen , gritting her teeth as she slogged through the downpour .

After about half an hour of walking , she reached the spot where the highway bridge had collapsed .

By then , she was completely soaked .

Traffic officers had blocked off the street , and firefighters were clearing the rubble .

Ambulances were lined up like a long Train .

1/3 22:21 Sat , Jan Gu · Chapter 20 Hey ! A traffic officer stopped Sienna as she walked over .

This arra is being cleared , and the road isnt open yet .

I know , Sienna said , forcing a smile .

I have an emergency .

I can slip through on my own .

I promise I wont hold you up or get in the way The traffic officer sized her up .

Where did you come from ? Youre drenched From Bacchus Bridge , Sienna replied .

What ? The officer looked surprised .

Thats quite a trek .

You walked all the way here ? Yeah Sienna nodded , pressing her palms together in a pleading gesture .

I really have an emergency .

My child is home alone , and Im really worried Wheres their dad ? the officer asked .

Sienna laughed awkwardly , her eyelashes fluttering .

Theres no dad .

Im a single mom .

The officer paused and then waved her through , saying , Alright , Ill make an exception .

Go on .

Oh , thank you so much , officer ! Sienna grinned .

Go on through , the officer said , moving the roadblock aside to let her pass .

He then quickly closed it back up once she was through .

Sienna checked her phone for directions .

It would take her at least two and a half hours to walk to the courthouse from there .

Gritting her teeth , she pushed onward .

She thought maybe if she got a bit further , she could catch a ride .

Although paying for a taxi made her cringe , today she was determined to finally settle things with Josiah In the car , Josiah glanced at his watch .

It was already 5 PM , and Sienna was nowhere to be seen shed made him wait for two whole hours .

His patience was wearing thin , and he fidgeted with his phone , swiping the screen to call Sienna once more .

Hello ? Sienna answered , her voice barely audible .

Sienna , are you messing with me ? Josiah snapped , seething with fury .

Sienna whispered , Sorry , Im almost there .

Can you wait a little longer ? Wait longer ? Humph , Josiah sneered to himself .

Fine , Ill wait , he said , wanting to see how she planned to wrap this up today .

Time dragged on , and finally , Siennas call came through , and she sounded out of breath .

Im here .

Where are you ? Really ? Josiah lifted his eyes and looked out of the car window A taxi rolled up in front of the courthouse , and Sienna stepped out .

Thanks , she told the driver before shutting the door .

She scanned the surroundings and spoke into the phone .

Did you spot me ? Or have you gone inside already ? I see you .

Hold on .

Josiah hung up and stepped out of his car .

He came alone , holding a black umbrella as he walked toward Sienna Taking in her wet hair and clothes splattered with mud , he couldnt hide his frown .

Where have you been ? You look a mess .

22:21 Sat , Jan 4 GU Chapter 20 Lets go .

Sienna said without answering , rubbing her nose .

This wont affect the divorce .

Siennal Josiah reached out and grabbed her arm without thinking What are you doing ? Shocked , Sienna pulled back and stared at him .

Ive told you a million times .

Dont touch me Josiah was caught off guard .

There it was again that look in her eyes , a mix of fear and revulsion when he touched her .

70 % Does she dislike me ? he thought , a tight , uneasy feeling gripped his chest .

He yelled in frustration , Are you untouchable at all ! What did I ever do to you ? Are you out of your mind ? Sienna clutched her stomach , the cold rain and her frantic rush having intensified her pain .

She bit her lower lip , her face turning pale .

She nodded , Yeah , Im out of my mind .

But dont worry , were about to divorce , so it wont matter anymore .

Youre only saying that because you know we cant get the certificate today , arent you ? Josiah scoffed , rolling his eyes .

What ? Sienna looked confused , staring at his cold , hard expression .

Stop pretending .

Josiah snapped , not bothering to look her way .

You show up just as the courthouse is closing .

You really went out of your way to avoid the divorce .