Caught In His Embrace A Second Chance Romance novel Chapter 4

Josiah smirked coldly. "So it's about money. It's only been a month. Why the hurry? Don't worry, you'll get what you need—just wait. Do you think we can't spare you a dime?"

After a moment, he added, "From now on, don't call me unless it's really important. If something comes up, I'll reach out." With that, he hung up.

'He despises me that 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 Fliraty's slums, Sienna lay asleep in bed, her belly now round and swollen. Her due date was just days away, but the doctor had warned her that her baby was breech and suggested she get to the hospital early.

Sienna had only forced a smile, saying nothing—she had no money. Eight months ago, after that heartless call with Josiah, she still hadn't seen a dime for 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 couldn't bear to be called a parasite one more time.

After settling down, Sienna had found a part-time job, trying to balance work and school. Even though she wasn't 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 pure 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? It's 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 can't!" 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 came crashing 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.

A gust of wind drove a blaze toward 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?"

"I'm fine," Sienna said, shaking her head, but the dense smoke had her coughing even more fiercely.

"We gotta move. No going back in there," the neighbor urged, gripping Sienna's arm firmly.

"But..." Sienna hesitated.

"This smoke isn't just bad for you—it's dangerous for your little one too. If you don't 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 hadn't managed to grab any cash. With a heavy heart, she watched as her worn-out house got swallowed by the flames, 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.

"What's wrong?"

"She's going into labor!"

"I get it," Yvette smiled. "Alright, I'll 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 lend me the money, won't he? After all, he respects Miranda, and our divorce isn't final yet.'

But two days flew by, and still no money came through. Sienna stood 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 couldn't 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 you're going? What'd you steal? Give it 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, she's 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 couldn't afford to quit.