Cynthia tidied up a guest room and told Joshua, "You'll sleep in this room. There are new toiletries in the bathroom. If you need anything, just come and find me.""Okay," Joshua stood there, obediently agreeing.Cynthia added, "Freshen up and go to sleep."Joshua stood still.Recalling Sean's remarks, Cynthia asked, "What's wrong?"Joshua lowered his head, fidgeting with his fingers before finally speaking up, "I don't have clean clothes to change into."He did not want to trouble Cynthia, but...Cynthia replied, "Go ahead and wash up. I'll borrow a set of clothes for you from next door."Matthew's and Joshua's body types were similar, so borrowing his pajamas should not be a problem. As for his everyday clothes, she would have Yoel bring two sets tomorrow. Just as she said that, there was a knock on the door.Cynthia opened the door and saw Matthew holding a bag, handing it to her. "You probably don't have suitable pajamas for him. These are new and haven't been worn."
However, Cynthia believed Joshua was feeling guilty rather than love. During the one-month cooling-off period after their divorce, they were unhappy, filled with endless arguments and misunderstandings. Given Joshua's personality, Cynthia believed that he would want to make amends once he truly realized the situation. Perhaps their time on Queneska Island was his way of making amends.Unable to figure it out completely, Cynthia decided to stop dwelling on it. Whether it was love or guilt, it no longer mattered.A dreamless night passed.The following day, Cynthia woke up to some commotion in the living room. She rubbed her still groggy head, dressed, and opened the door. As she walked into the living room and saw someone bustling around the dining table, she froze.What was happening? Had Joshua recovered?As if sensing Cynthia's presence, Joshua arranged the breakfast, appearing excited. "Good morning! I made breakfast. Would you like to try it?"Cynthia approached the table
Joshua's situation needed to be resolved. If Felix wanted to take him back, Cynthia would have to take them to the airport. If Felix wanted to leave him in Nexuria, she would have to go to Joshua's house and pack some of his personal belongings.In the study, Cynthia felt a bit nervous as she called Felix. She did not know if Felix would accept Joshua's current condition.The phone connected, and Felix's voice came through. Cynthia did not beat around the bush and said, "Uncle Felix, are you available? I want to talk to you about Joshua's situation.""I'm available. Go ahead." Felix's voice was soft and warm."I brought Joshua from Sean's place to my house last night. He's physically fine, but..." Cynthia said.The words that followed were difficult to say. After all, amnesia combined with mental regression was no small matter.After hearing that Joshua was physically fine, Felix felt a sense of relief, and his tone noticeably lightened. "It's alright, just tell me what you
Felix did not say much, keeping certain matters brief. Under normal circumstances, Joshua would not pretend to have amnesia or act like a child. Now that he truly had amnesia and his mental state regressed, he would surely pretend once he gradually recovered. After all, like father, like son, Felix believed he understood his own son.After their conversation, Felix left the Neal Group, wearing his suit jacket, and headed home to report the situation. Of course, he gave the slightly modified version with some lies added.After hanging up the phone, Cynthia called Yoel to tell him she would bring Joshua over. Once the call ended, she made preparations and took Joshua out.Joshua felt a bit uneasy sitting in the car. He did not know where Cynthia was taking him and wondered if she no longer wanted him."Joshua," Cynthia called out to him.Joshua glanced at her, replying obediently, "What is it?" Cynthia decided to tell him in advance and gauge his reaction. "I'm taking you to
Cynthia was puzzled by Felix and Yoel's reaction after she mentioned Joshua's amnesia. Then, she looked at Joshua, who had remained obedient throughout, and asked Yoel, "Why are you asking that?""It just feels unreal," Yoel replied."He really has amnesia. I observed him closely after bringing him back last night, and there's no possibility he's pretending," Cynthia affirmed.If everything he was doing is an act, then the world owes Joshua an Oscar. After all, his expressions, mannerisms, and instinctive movements and reactions were too natural. After talking with Felix, Cynthia tested Joshua, and he was not pretending.Yoel looked at Joshua curiously.Joshua frowned. Why was he staring at him? Did he not know that it was impolite to stare like that? "Joshua thinks I'm his sister," Cynthia intended to discuss this with Yoel further.Joshua perked up.Yoel was confused.Sister?"Let me introduce you. This is your former assistant, Yoel Cheyne. You trusted him a lot, and
"Why?" Yoel still could not figure out if Joshua was pretending or not. "Are you afraid of being discovered by Ms. Yates?""No.""Then what is it?""I read that stupidity is contagious, and I don't want to become stupid."After saying this, Joshua stood up and walked toward the bedroom, where Cynthia was packing his clothes and belongings.Cynthia put his clothes in the suitcase and noticed his hesitant expression. Then, she asked, "What's wrong? Did you not have fun with Yoel?""I don't like playing with him." Joshua tugged at her clothes gently. "He asked me strange questions, like a bad person."Yoel, who had walked in, remained silent.Cynthia was confused and glanced over, curious about what Yoel had asked for Joshua to react this way. Yoel honestly explained the situation, feeling a mix of emotions.It seemed that Joshua's amnesia and mental regression were real.After understanding the situation, Cynthia reassured Joshua, "Yoel just thought your illness was unbeliev
"What?" Cynthia thought she had misheard."When we were about to leave, you held my hand and showed concern," Joshua clarified, pursing his lips and acting obediently.Cynthia was taken aback.Did he become happy because of her simple question? Joshua had been observing Cynthia all along, and when she did not respond, he softly said, "Cynthia.""Yes?""I've never seen you smile.""I don't like to smile.""No one dislikes smiling. Unless they're unhappy or there's nothing to make them happy," Joshua confidently stated.Cynthia asked, "Where did you come up with that twisted logic?""It's not twisted logic. I want to make you happy."Cynthia fell silent. Well, there was no point arguing with him as his mind was of a child. She took Joshua to the hospital, and when the doctor used a sterile needle to puncture a large blister and disinfect it, Joshua's face wrinkled up in discomfort.Cynthia was surprised as Joshua used to be unafraid of pain. It seemed that she had overlo
Joshua really felt the pain and whimpered, "Hssss!""Just bear with it. It'll be over soon," Cynthia rubbed his head, comforting him as she would comfort any other child.Joshua obediently nodded. "Okay."The doctor was speechless.Things were not going as he had planned! She should be kissing his boo or mocking him for being unable to bear the pain! How did it become an adult comforting a child with such a simple sentence?! The doctor decided to ignore it and prescribed some medication for them. "You don't need to worry about the remaining blisters. Let them heal naturally. Remember to apply this ointment.""Thank you, doctor." Cynthia took the medication.As they left the hospital, Joshua followed along obediently. In the car, in an attempt to get to know Cynthia better, he cautiously asked, "Cynthia, do you not like boys who are scared of pain? Cynthia was completely bewildered and did not quite catch what he said."I'll be a tough guy from now on," Joshua added.C