"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
"Huh?" Sage was taken aback as Thomas seemed perfectly well when she and Donald bid him goodbye yesterday. His voice had been full of energy, but he was gone now."The doctor said it was terminal lucidity," croaked Donald.Sage understood that losing a lifelong friend must have been crushing for Donald. She was also disheartened to learn that Thomas, who had spoken highly of her just the day before, was suddenly no longer alive.After consoling Donald, she went up to Linda. "Grandma, I'm sorry but I can't stay the night. My grandfather is grieving the loss of his friend, and I need to be there for him."Linda replied, "Silly child. There's nothing to apologize for. It's only natural to want to comfort your grandfather in his time of need. I'll have Ian send you back." Then, Linda attempted to make one of the maids get Ian.Sage stopped her. "Grandma, that won't be necessary. Let Ian keep on with his work. I'll hail a cab.""Nonsense. It's only fitting for Ian to pay his respects
Sage immediately recognized the lanky figure as the man who had covered her face with a cloth. Upon realizing she was awake, he chuckled and called out, "Sir, she's awake."As he spoke, he inched to the side to make way for someone else. Soon, they heard a flurry of footsteps as a man with a beer belly and wearing a dark jacket entered the dilapidated room.Seeing Benjamin walk in surprised Sage. She couldn't help but wonder, "Shouldn't he be under police questioning? Why is he here?"Her heart sank. Benjamin harbored a grudge against her and had even gone as far as sending his men to warn her previously. Moreover, Ian had taught him a lesson, which likely deepened his animosity toward her. Now that she was in his clutches, she knew he wouldn't go easy on her."Wow, you look even better in person than in photos," Benjamin remarked with a malicious gleam in his eyes. "Shall I address you as Sage or Mrs. Holcomb?"This was Sage's first time speaking directly to Benjamin. He looked d
"Trying to bribe me now?" Benjamin snickered. "If it weren't for you, I would have signed the deal with Holcomb Corporation by now. I could have achieved financial independence after Mimosa's IPO. How can you ever make up to me?""I don't know what financial independence looks like to you, but as you know, I'm pretty rich and married to Ian Holcomb. Our marriage might be on the rocks, but he can afford to give me a few million. How does 100 million dollars sound to you?" Sage countered, attempting to sway Benjamin. She added, "Mr. Xenith, I know you abducted me here to vent your anger. But even if you beat me up, your circumstances won't improve. Take the money. Isn't that better?""Your negotiation skills surprise me. But do you take me for a fool?" Benjamin scoffed. "I'm aware you'll report me to the authorities once you're freed, and Ian Holcomb won't let it slide. What good is money then?" Benjamin sneered. "The moment I decided to abduct you, I vowed not to be swayed by money.
How could Benjamin pin all the blame on her and retaliate against Ian in such a repugnant manner? Sage felt sick in her stomach and dizzy in the head. She bit her tongue to distract the odd sensations in her body with pain."A mere hallucinogen isn't enough. Let's enhance the experience!" Benjamin's voice dripped with malice as he attempted to force a white pill down her throat.Knowing she couldn't win, she feigned submission and put on a pitiful expression. "Mr. Xenith, I'll behave. There's no need for more pills."A lecherous grin twisted Benjamin's lips as he taunted her. "Woah, look how quickly you've come around. Or are you a slut deep down?"She continued acting weak. "Survival is more important. Mr. Xenith, may I suggest only serving you and no one else? I'm Mrs. Holcomb after all. I want to preserve my dignity, and I don't want to sleep with any rando…"She subtly hinted at Benjamin's higher social status, to his growing delight. "Still concerned about your dignity, I see
"Ouch!" The subordinate howled in pain as he held his head. Sage seized the chance to sprint out of the abandoned house."That filthy bitch! Catch her!" Benjamin, who had pulled himself together, yelled out in pain and resentment. His subordinate immediately ran after Sage.Sage dared not look back as footsteps closed in on her. She ran as fast as she could into a lonely and dark forest. There were no lights apart from the dim moonlight.Sage pushed through despite her fear and ran toward the mountain path. The winding path felt surreal under her feet as dizziness crept up on her. She didn't manage to make it far before Benjamin's subordinate grabbed her by her collar."Let's see what you can do now!" Panting hard, the man dragged her back to the abandoned house.Sage felt her senses dulling, perhaps due to the drug. Clinging onto the last shreds of rationality, she resolved not to be hauled back to the house where she'd be subjected to Benjamin's whims.She bit her tongue to kee