Caught In His Embrace: A Second Chance Romance Novel

Chapter 416 After breakfast , the group set off for the hospital in two cars .

The inpatient room had been arranged in advance by Conner .

A nurse led them inside .

ensuring everything was settled before handling the admission procedure .

Shortly after , Lucas arrived to check on them .

Over the next two days , well be conducting a series of tests and preparation for the surgery , he said .

Help them get familiar with the hospital environment , and make sure they rest well .

Make arrangements for any necessary dietary or lifestyle adjustments , Lucas added .

Understood a nurse answered .

A designated nurse took charge of the examinations , leading Joyce and Conner through one text after another , circling nearly the entire treatment building .

Some of the procedures were downright uncomfortable Even Conner , a grown man , found the process raluusting let alone Joyer .

Every test was an ordeal for her , a battle against her tiny , fragile body Mr.

Flynn Joyce whimpered , burying her tear streaked face in Josiahs shoulder .

Is it not over yet ! I feel awful .

Josiah had carried Joyce the entire time , refusing to let her take a single step on her own .

Watching Joyce suffer was already agonizing enough- Josiah could barely stand the sound of her crying .

Joyce , honey Josiah hugeed Joyce tightly , his heart aching for her .

This is the last one .

After this checkup , we can proceed with the surgery .

And once thats done , youll be all better youll be a healthy little girl again , Josiah said .

Really ? Joyces eyes darted toward Sienna .

Although Joyce loved Josiah dearly , deep in her heart , Sienna remained her greatest source of trust and security .

Mommy , is that true ? she asked .

Siennas nose tingled with emotion .

She reached out , gently stroking Joyces hair , Yes .

J Joyce .

Youre so brave .

Just one last test , okay ? Okay Joyce pressed her lips together in a determined little pout .

She nodded , swallowing back her tears .

Mr.

Fischer , Mr.

Flynn , were ready for the next test … The nurse assisting them approached to inform them .

Okay .

Josiah lifted Joyce and noticed she had fallen silent .

Concern flickered across his face .

Joyce , why arent you saying anything ? Are you scared ! he asked .

wont be No , Im not Joyer shook her head repeatedly , rubbing her cheek against Josiahs shoulder .

Im not scared … Im not scared , so Mommy w scared either Josiah froze .

His vision blurred as tears threatened to spill .

He forced them back , his throat tight and dry , Joyce … You knew your mommy was afraid Yes .

Joyce nodded .

At such a young age , she might not even understand her own words .

Joyce continued , I was sick and Mommy crying Mommy told me not to leave her alone … She said she canlive without me .

I was sleeping .

I heard Josiahs heart clenched tightly upon hearing that , turning his vision dark for a brief moment .

Mr.

Flynn , Joyce whispered .

Growing up in a single parent household , coupled with her illness , had made Joyce extraordinarily sensitive .

I dont want to leave Mommy behind .

Ill get better I know , Josiah said , his throat tightened , and the taste of iron crept up .

He held Joyer with your mommy for a long , long time .

close while gently patting her back .

Youll get better and stay Mm hmm Juyor smiled , her trust in Josiah was unwavering .

Then fin not worried anymore After a long day .

Joyce fell asleep a little after seven in the evening .

Tara , having finished eating , came in to take over .

Mr.

Hynn , please go get something to eat .

Ill stay with her .

Okay Josiali nodded and got ups.

He had fought hard for this from Sienna to stay by Joyces side at the hospital until her surgery and recovery WELE DVer .

Jayers well being was the top priority , so Sienna agreed .

Fortunately , Conner had booked a sutte , spacious enough to accommoslate In the cafeteria , Sienna had just finished laer meal when the crossed paths with Josiah .

Hurry up and eat before it gets cold .

All right Josiah pulled out a chair , sat down , and began rating .

He had barely taken two bites when Siennas phone rang .

Hello ? Sienna swiped to answer while rising from her seat and walking toward the door .

Youre heret Yes , VIDA .

Il meet you at the door .

Okay Josiah glanced up just in time to see Sienna Hepping out of the inpatient room 1/3 Chapter 416 Cedric , Sienna called out , waving her hand from the doorway .

Over here Earlier , Cedric had expressed his wish to visit , but Sienna had turned him down .

This was her matter to handle .

Besides , Conner and Josiah were armsund .

Cedric understood Sienna only ow him as a friend now , and knowing that she had enough support , he hadnt insisted .

Since he couldnt visit during the day , he came after work instead .

Sienna , Cedric said , slightly out of breath from rushing over .

HowLeverything ? Did it all go smonthly torlay ? Sienna smiled faintly , Yes , everythings settled She glanced at the time .

You just got here have you eaten ? No Cedric replied .

Well then Sienna was about to suggest something Sienna .

Cedric interrupted with a smile .

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small , handmade cloth pouch .

Whats this ? Sienna asked .

Cedric seemed slightly embarrassed .

I went to St.

Millenium Church today Millenium Church ! Sienna asked SL Millenium Church was a century old sanctuary in the western suburbs of Jetacrity .

Its prayers remained unwavering even now .

Sienna was surprised .

Do you believe in that ? I do when I need to .

Cedric chuckled and handed Sienna the cloth pouch .

He then cleared his throat .

I went there to get a lucky charm for Joyce .

Sienna was momentarily stunned as she thought , So its for me .

Pretty silly , right Cedrics face g grew warm .

I know its just superstition , but consider it a good omen .

Sienna remained silent for a beat too long , making Cedric nervous .

If you dont believe in this kind of thing , I can just * Dont .

Sienna came to her senses , quickly closing her hand around the pouch and pretending to glare at Cedric .

Since when can a gift be taken back ! So , youll accept it ? Cedric asked .

Of course Sienna unwrapped the small cloth pouch and took out the lucky charm inside .

There was also a hanging rope tied to the lucky charm .

She turned to Cedric with a warm smile .

Thank you .

I truly appreciate this Siennas fingertips traced over the delicate charm , her eyes dimming slightly .

Fiona used to go to SL .

Millenium Church often , if she were still around , she wouldve prayed for Joyce too .

She turned to Cedric with a warm smile .

Thank you .

I truly appreciate this .

Youre welcome .

Theres not not much I can do for Joyce Cedric hesitated for a moment , then pulled out another small box from his pocket .

This is for you And whats this Sienna aşked .

A cinnabar rosary ! Cedric opened the box .

You havent been sleeping well lately .

Cinnabar is said to calm the mind and bring peace .

Wearing this might help Sienna chuckled softly .

Her sleepless nights werent due to any ailment she had simply been worrying over Joyces surgery , However , Cedrics gesture came from a place of genuine concem Thank you Siennas eyes glütened slightly , a warmth blooming in her chest .

Cedric was genuinely kind Tet me put it um for you Cedric offered Sure , Sinaia agreed and Cedric carefully slipped the bracelet out her wrist .

Meanwhile , fraude the room , Josali quickly averted his gaze .

Lowering his head , he scooped a mouthful of rice and stuffed it into his mouth .

Josiah thenight , What rice is this ? It so bitter ! He på ked up some vegetables and stuffed them into his mouth .

It was still blad , so he continted stuffing until his matutia could hold me mure .

Yet , the bitterness lingered , unbearably s That night , Josialı stayed in the inpatient room to watch over Joyor .

Tara lud returned to Sunshine Neighborhood for the night , planning to reizi in the morning , while Sienu rested in die adjacent family wand .

Deep the night , Joyce was sleeping peacefully .