Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance Novel

Chapter 226 Josiah was driving his car at a relaxed pace , especially as he passed the park .

He pulled over and stopped the car .

Lowering the window , he looked outside , hoping to see Joyce However , since Joyce had been in the hospital yesterday , it seemed unlikely .

To his surprise , there she was Joyce was dressed in a warm outfit , sitting on a swing , while a slightly older boy gently pushed her .

Josul opened the car door and stepped out .

The boy asked Are you having fun ? Jovor said .

Uh huh ! Would d you like to go even higher ! .

Yes , please ! Joyce .

Josiah walked over to her , grabbing the swings ropes .

With her hat and mask covering most of her face , only her big eyes were visible .

When she saw him , her face lit up with a smile .

Josiah ? Joyce exclaimed , jumping down from the swing , which made Josiah quickly reach out to lift her into his arms .

Josiah , she snuggled against his shoulder , instinctively knowing .

Did you come to find me ! Yes , I did .

Josiah raised an eyebrow , unable to hide a smile Is there something you need from me ? Yes Grinning , Josiah took out a small jewelry box from his pocket , showing it to Joyce .

This is for you , Joyce .

I need you to take a look and see if you like it.

Joyces eyes sparkled with joy as she exclaimed , Wow ! Its Minnie ! Its so beautiful she reached out with her gloved hands to grab it but hesitated .

Whats the matter ! Josiah raised his brow .

Dont you like it ? I do ! Joyce nodded eagerly , but a hint of uncertainty lingered .

But Mommy taught me not to take other peoples things .

Josiah thought about how attentive this little girl was , her mother had really taught her good values .

Dont worry .

He gently ruled Joyces hair .

We are friends ; Minnie got a bit mischievous and ran away , so I caught two company Josiah .

Joyces sparkling eyes seemed to glisten with dew , touched that he remembered her lost Minnie .

With open arms , she hugged him .

Thank you , Josiah ! I like your of them to keep you Her words warmed Josiahs h heart .

Me too He removed a hairpin from the box .

Would you like me to put it in your hair ! Yes , please ! She was excited to wear the two Minnies All set Joyce , unable to see , gently touched her head .

Josiah , do I look pretty ? Absolutely Josiah smiled .

You are the most beautiful little princess in the world ! Giggling happily , Joyce beamed .

Thank you , Josiah ! No need to thank me While captivated by Joyces adorable look , Josh fell growing concern , he had known since their first meeting that her health was fragile but didnt know her specific illness .

Given their joyful connection , perhaps he could help her .

He started , Joyce … Suddenly , the guardian , Tara , rushed over Joyce ! She quickly snatched Joyce from Josiahs arms and offered a stiff smile to him.

Hello Hello Joyce Tara pointed to the hairpin in Joyces hair .

Return them to Josiah , alright After watching the earlier exchange , she expected nothing more than a quick chat , so she was surprised Joyce accepted gifts.

Please , not Joyce held her little hands up to protect the hairpins .

They were a gift from Josiah ! I like them 1/2 Chapter 226 Dont be naughty Its alright .

Josiah said with a smile to lighten the mood .

They were a gift for Joyce ; theyre not valuable .

But Before Tara could continue her scolding , Josiah waved goodbye to Joyce .

Tmn heading off now ; Bye.

Joyce said .

Goodbye , Josiah .

Not far away , Sienna stood frozen in shock .

Those Minnies were a gift from Josiah to Joyce ! They know each other ! Even more surprising .

Joyce seems to like him ! How did things get this far ? What did I miss ! When Tara returned with Joyce , Sienna was already home .

Tara mumbled , Oh ! Siennas shoes are here ; she must be back ! Oh no , shes going to be angry ! Sienna approached .

Whats going on ? Why would I be angry ? Mommy ! Joyces big eyes sparkled as she ran into her mothers arms .

Youre back ! Good girl Sienna lifted her , helping her take off her heavy coat .

Look , Tara pointed to Joyces head , unable to hide what had happened from Sienna , her employer .

Joyce has a new friend named Josiah , and he gave her two hairpins .

Thats the guy from the park , she added , recalling her earlier mention Mommy ! Before Sienna could respond , Joyce pulled at her arm , shaking it .

Josiah is a good person A good person ? Tara scoffed , tilting her head at Joyce .

Just because he gave you hairpins , hes a good person ? Its just a pair of hairpins .

Theyre not worth anything ! Shaking her head , Tara rolled up her sleeves and headed toward the kitchen .

Ill let your mother deal with you ; Im off to cook .

Sienna stayed silent , focused on the hairpins in Joyces hair , her brow furrowed .

They were no ordinary accessories ; while Tara thought they were just rhinestones , each stone was actually a real diamond .

Joyce Sienna spoke , her tone serious .

Taras right ; its not okay to accept gifts like this .

Take off those hairpins and return them to Josiah when you see him again Sienna felt overwhelmed , grappling with the sudden closeness between Joyce and Josiah and unsure how to manage it all .

She felt a deep fear .

Come here .

Sienna reached out her hand to Joyce .

Mommy will help you take them off No , no ! Joyce covered her head , looking at Sienna .

These were a gift from Josiah ! I love them ! I dont want to take them off What ? Sienna was caught off guard ; her daughter had always listened to her .

This was Joyces first act of defiance , all because of Josiah , a father who had never taken responsibility .

Siennas face darkened Joyce ! I asked you to take off the hairpins ; did you hear me ? Joyce trembled at her mothers stern voice , tears welling in her eyes .

Mommy is being unreasonable ! She turned and ran to her room , declaring .

I wont listen to you anymore !