"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
Sage had clearly gone through a lot of suffering and ingested some illegal drugs.Ian suppressed the murderous feeling rising within him. He resisted the urge to harm Benjamin right there and then. The audacity of him to even lay a finger on Sage!"Mr. Holcomb, Benjamin Xenith has disappeared!" Terry reported.Ian hissed, "Send our men after him! We'll capture him no matter what it takes!" Sage, visibly shaken, sought solace in Ian's embrace."Mr. Holcomb, leave this to me. Please send Mrs. Holcomb to the hospital now," Terry suggested.Without wasting any time, Ian picked up a disoriented Sage and placed her in the car. He rushed her to the nearest hospital. Fortunately, the doctor's assessment revealed that she suffered no injuries except for the slap mark on her face and some rope abrasions on her wrists. However, she very likely ingested some kind of hallucinogen, judging from the state of her.The doctor stated, "It's not advisable to get her stomach pumped. That'll only m
"I don't want to get a divorce!" Tears streamed down her cheeks as she shook her head vigorously. "Ian, you know I didn't do it, so why do you want a divorce…"Ian fell silent. So, all she heard was the word "divorce". He thought about her determined demeanor and her excitement when she got her hands on the divorce papers in the office the other day, and he couldn't help but cup her face and silence her punitively. "You're the one who wants to get a divorce!"His words still didn't register with Sage as she touched her lips and gasped bashfully, "I- Ian, you kissed me! You actually kissed me! Do you not hate me anymore?""When did I ever say I hated you?""Yay!" Sage paid no heed to what he had said. Blushing, she mustered up her courage and kissed him back. "I'm so happy, Ian!"Sage wouldn't have done this if she was sober. After all, she always got angry when he kissed her in the past. She even slapped him in the face once. Yet, she was excited by his touch and even took the ini
The unfamiliar yet fervent kiss made her shy and excited at the same time. Ian rubbed her skin gently, sending shivers down her spine. Sage arched her back in response, allowing him easier access.That night passed in a whirlwind of passion. Sage was a lovesick woman who was lost in her fantasies and convinced that she had finally won her lover's heart. In contrast, Ian, who used to be composed and restrained, was now tirelessly indulging himself in wild abandon. Neither understood why the other had changed all of a sudden, but neither cared to dwell on it. The couple clung to each other fervently, entwined passionately. It was as if they were determined to unleash all of their passion that night. Unlike the cool night air outside, the room was hot and stuffy. The passion was so intense that even the moon blushed and hid behind the clouds.…The next day, Sage woke up parched. Instinctively, she reached out to grab a glass of water from the bedside table but found nothing. She a