Sage was nettled by Ian's behavior. Refusing to engage with him, she plugged the landline back and called the hotel front desk.She asked, "Do you have any more rooms available? I'd like to book a new room."Since Ian wanted to stay, she'd let him hang out in her room. She could get a new one for herself.To her dismay, the front desk staff informed her, "Our apologies, Madam. Our rooms are fully booked for the night."Already miffed from being woken up at midnight, she grew infuriated upon learning there were no empty rooms. She barked, "How could you let a man into my room without my permission? Set aside a new room for me, or I'll complain!""Madam, we're sorry. The guest claimed to be your husband, and he didn't want to wake you up at midnight. So, we—"Refusing to listen to the explanation, she hung up on the front desk. Staring at Ian, who had an unreadable look on his face, she knew she couldn't get rid of him that night.She relented. "There's an extra blanket in the clo
After informing the front desk staff, Sage finally went to sleep in relief.The next morning, Donald knocked on Sage's door for breakfast. She scrambled up from the bed and replied, "Grandpa, I'll be there right away!" She quickly washed up, put on a jacket, and answered the door with a bare face.Donald and Dexter were waiting for her. Donald had the habit of waking up early, and he wanted Sage to sleep in while he and Dexter went for breakfast, but she insisted on tagging along.The buffet restaurant was located on the first floor at the side of the main lobby. Since it was only 7:00 a.m., not many hotel guests were present.Holding onto Donald's arm, Sage chatted and laughed with him. Suddenly, Donald pointed in front of him. "Is that Ian?"Her gaze followed. She found Ian sleeping on the long couch for guests in the main lobby. He remained dressed in the shirt and pants from last night. Slumped on the couch, he did not have anything to keep him warm except for the jacket h
Thomas was reluctant to bid goodbye to Donald and Sage after learning that were leaving Colville in the afternoon. After a short chat, Sage and Zachary left the room to offer some privacy to the two old friends.Zachary said apologetically, "I was too busy to bring you and Donald around Colville over the past few days."Sage replied with a smile, "It's alright. We'll visit again and have more fun when Thomas gets better."Zachary nodded. "Of course." Despite that, both of them were acutely aware that Thomas would never recover."Life is unpredictable. I regret going abroad instead of spending two more years with Grandpa at home," he lamented.In Sage's past life, she did not accompany Donald to Colville. Hence, she was in the dark about Thomas' health condition. She comforted Zachary, "Don't be too hard on yourself. You couldn't foresee Thomas falling sick.""Sage, you've grown up. You are more sensible and mature now. Look, you're even consoling me," he teased.She deliberate
Eyes shut, Sage murmured, "I guess so. We met once before this."Ian asked calmly, "And you're calling him 'Zack'?"She opened her eyes and shot him a puzzled look. "What's wrong with that?"Ian pursed his lips. "Why don't you call him Zachary?"Sage replied, "Zack is his nickname. He usually goes by it."Ian argued, "Well, 'Iany' is my nickname."Sage knew what Ian was getting at. How ridiculous! Last time, Ian got drunk at the family gathering that they attended with Linda. There, he pestered her about why she had stopped using his nickname. Not only that, he even forced her to call him Iany.Presently, he seemed petty over how she addressed Zachary. People might mistakenly think that he cared about her.She snorted. "Ian Holcomb, you're being silly." Then, she turned to stare out of the car window.He stared at her for a while but said nothing. The couple sat in the car in silence until they arrived at Solaris Estate. As Sage didn't want to be near Ian, she ventured into
Besides, Sage thought it would be awkward if she refused to meet Leo when he showed up at her home. She sighed, not expecting to meet her father-in-law before the divorce."If you're tired, it's fine. I'll just let him know you're taking a nap," Ian offered calmly.She secretly lamented and reluctantly said, "I'll change my clothes and join you shortly."Ian did not object. He went downstairs alone to the living room, where Leo was waiting. Leo looked like he was in his fifties. Clad in casual wear, he seemed more muscular and bulky than his son. The serious look on his face underlined his authority and hinted at an unfriendly demeanor.Upon spotting Sage, Ian approached her. "You're here."Leo fixed his eyes on Sage as well. She flashed a polite smile and extended a hand to Leo. "Hi, Dad."Leo merely grunted before taking a sip of his tea, leaving Sage feeling embarrassed. Getting along with Donald and Linda was a breeze, but the serious Leo was a tough nut to crack.Ian took
"Where are you off to? Are you seriously leaving your father alone at the dinner table?" Leo growled.Ian replied, "We will excuse ourselves for now because I'm worried our lack of manners will spoil your appetite.""Ian, you're really something." Scoffing, Leo got up and left. Sage felt uneasy about how the dinner had ended."Ignore him," Ian said to her. "Would you like something else to eat?"She shook her head. "I'm full."She struggled to comprehend how Ian had endured Leo's parenting when he was a child. Despite being born into wealth, Ian's life didn't seem all that rosy.Fortunately, she wouldn't be Mrs. Holcomb anymore, freeing herself from worrying about meeting Leo's high standards.…The next day, Sage and Ian visited Linda. Sage had a headache when she recalled Leo's attitude from last night. If it weren't for Linda's sake, she might have refused to go and confessed to Ian that there was no need to change her, as she wouldn't be married to him any longer."It's
Ian approached Linda without so much as taking a look at Sage."Aren't you busy at work? Why did you show up this early? Missing your wife?" Linda purposely directed the question at him.Sage answered before Ian had the chance to. "Grandma, stop making these embarrassing jokes. Ian and I are soon to be divorced." Linda's eyes remained fixed on Ian. She waited for an answer.Betraying no emotion, Ian replied, "I'm done with work. I came over to see if there's anything I could help with."Linda felt a surge of frustration at Ian's obliviousness. She had set the stage for him, yet he seemed unwilling to play along. She couldn't help but wonder if business was his only forte.Sage understood Linda's intentions and Ian's reluctance to play along. Even if Ian agreed with Linda, Sage wouldn't have believed him.Smiling, Sage changed the topic. "Grandma, let's look through the photos together."Linda barked at Ian, "Why are you standing there then? Come take a seat."Ian sat down by an
"I don't have much feelings for Sage, only guilt for neglecting her as a husband. Without a divorce, I would play the role of a husband better. But if she wants a divorce, I'll sign the papers," Ian explained calmly. "As for reconciling… I don't think that'll happen."Hearing that, Linda put away her walking stick and let out a helpless sigh. Ian was perfect in every way except for his hubris. His life had always been smooth sailing, and he rarely ran into any setbacks. Hence, he had assumed that he could have everything he wanted in life.Even if he realized that he had developed feelings for Sage, he wouldn't admit it out of pride. He might even attribute such sentiments to the natural male instincts of competitiveness and possessiveness.Furthermore, he seemed oblivious to the concept of sacrifice, as Sage had always been the one making sacrifices in their relationship.Linda decided to let Ian learn from his mistakes so that he would learn he wasn't invincible. "Very well. I sh