Tiana also told him that he once had the chance to save his marriage and find happiness, and she informed him that the person he had rescued by jumping into the pond was the very person who had murdered his child…Clutching the DNA test report, Ian stared at the words: "Biological parentage is established between samples A and B, with a probability of paternity/maternity of 99.99%" He then felt a metallic tang in his throat and spat out a mouthful of blood."What's wrong, Mr. Holcomb?" Terry, who had just walked in, panicked and pressed the emergency button when he saw that. "Doctor!"…Meanwhile, Tiana returned to Sage's ward. Tiana wasn't much calmer now than she had been when she stormed out of her room. "How'd it go? I bet you hit a dead end, huh?" Sage asked knowingly. "Don't be upset. I'm not even mad. Let's calm down and get ready to go back home tomorrow. I'll treat you to a fancy dinner and a full-body massage."Tiana gazed at Sage for a moment and couldn't help but h
Her consciousness was hazy. Sage could only register that the unusually warm embrace made her weak and cold body feel comfortable. The person behind her carefully wrapped their arms around her before pressing their body tightly against her back and burying their face gently against her neck.The noticeable warmth against her skin made her uncomfortable, and she struggled and tried to move away. However, the person behind her remained still. In a daze, Sage could only feel that the person behind her was growing increasingly warm. She had a feeling that something was amiss, but she was too sluggish to come to her senses. Moments later, the person pulled her whole body into their arms and carefully placed a hand on her lower abdomen, as if they were struggling to contain themselves. Their body trembled. Sage finally realized something was wrong and jolted awake. She opened her eyes and tried to turn around, but she was held captive by the person against his chest."I'm sorry, Sa
Sage shook her head. "I have no idea. He showed up while I was half asleep."Then, she asked, "What did you say to him this afternoon? Why does he seem so shaken?""Nothing much," Tiana responded. "I just told him that you were pregnant with his child."Sage had told Ian that before she threatened to jump off the balcony to force him to get a divorce, but he didn't believe her. She couldn't help but wonder how Tiana had managed to convince him. Sage voiced her doubts, and Tiana told her what had happened in the afternoon."What? When did you help me get a paternity test done? Why don't I know about it?" Sage exclaimed. Tiana responded, "You were so devastated at the time, I couldn't bear to burden you with this information."Even though so much time had passed, Sage's heart still ached whenever she thought about the child she had lost. Back when Ian jumped into the lake to save Ivy, Sage had planned to tell him the truth after the divorce to make him regret his actions. But
Shane expressed his refusal with a disdainful look. Sage tried persuading him. "I just ate, so I'm a bit full. Why don't you have it? We shouldn't waste food, after all."Shane looked at her and said, "I'll think about it if you feed me."Sage glared at him. "I'm sure your injury doesn't prevent you from using a spoon."Shane snorted. "I can see right through you, Sage. Do you want me to flip out?"Sage was at a loss for words. Annoyed, she finished the soup on her own. "The soup is delicious, Giselle. It's just that some people don't know how to appreciate it. It's their loss."Giselle couldn't help but chuckle. "You're so childish, Sage." Sage was rendered speechless. "Alright, I just popped in to check on you guys. Since you're all good, I'll get going now," Giselle said. Sage walked her out. In the corridor, Giselle cut to the chase. "I've seriously given up on Shane, Sage. You don't have to play matchmaker for me. This time, Shane got injured because of you, right?"Gi
Sage didn't believe him. "Weren't you on a date with a hot chick back in Morita? Did nothing come of it?" The smile on Shane's face widened, and his eyes lit up. Sage was perplexed. Was this something to be proud of? Why was he smiling from eye to eye?He got close to her and asked, "Does it bother you, Sage?"Realization dawned on her. She was actually asking him about his previous relationships!"Don't get me wrong. I was just using those examples as a way to explain why you were upset about Giselle's matter," Sage said after composing herself.Shane remained upbeat. "You'd only explain yourself because you're feeling guilty, Sage. Usually, when I ask you questions like these, you'd just hit me."Sage was itching to hit him right then and there. "Cut the crap! Your past relationships have nothing to do with me, and I couldn't care less!""It's okay. Whether you care or not, I'll tell you the truth," he said. "That woman in Morita is a friend of mine. We were going to meet ano
Shane's expression was solemn at that moment, and his eyes were shimmering. Even Sage, who claimed that she didn't want to be in a relationship, felt her heart stir.She was aware that he might've seemed frivolous on the surface, but he was a man of strong principles who would never stoop to using her feelings to deal with Ian. He must've genuinely liked her. Unlike her feelings for Zachary, which were purely platonic, Sage was genuinely touched by Shane's sincere confession. However, she wasn't mentally prepared to start a new relationship.Mulling it over, she said, "Give me some time, Shane."Shane didn't feel discouraged when he heard that. Instead, he was delighted. "Does this mean I have a chance, Sage?"Sage rolled her eyes at him. "Can you drink the soup now?"He nodded. "Yes, of course!"When Tiana learned of this, she was so elated that she wanted to celebrate with fireworks. "You've finally come to your senses, Sage!" she trilled. "This won't do. I have to tell Cal
Sage shook her head. "I've moved on ever since I decided to divorce him.""Then, why are you in such a hurry to turn me down?" He said gently, "I won't pressure you, and I'm not asking you to say yes right now. I just want you to know that I'll always be here for you."Sage was aware that he had liked her for years, and if she didn't make herself clear, he'd continue to wait on her. Feeling a little guilty, she said, "I'm sorry, Zack. I've already promised someone else that I'll consider their feelings."The smile on Zachary's face became a little forced when he heard that. "I'm sure the person you've taken a liking to must be exceptional."…That afternoon, Sage took the diamond brooch, the emerald pendant necklace Linda had given her for her birthday, and a few fragrances she had blended for her, and headed to Holcomb Manor.As she pulled up at Holcomb Manor, she slowed down. There was a man-made waterfall at the entrance to the courtyard, and the pond beneath was adorned wit
Sage responded calmly, "I was in a rush to get a divorce from Ian in the past, and I wasn't able to return it to you in time. I happened to be free today, so I came to return it to you.""I've already given it to you, Sage. Why are you returning it to me, you silly girl?" Linda chided."Thank you for your kindness, Grandma Holcomb, but this was supposed to be a gift for your future granddaughter-in-law. It wouldn't be right for me to keep it." Sage then pulled out the ornate box containing the diamond brooch. "Please help me pass this on to Ian as well."Her grandson had taken the brooch away the last time he visited, and now Sage was returning it again. Linda realized what was going on. "I don't know what happened between you and Ian, but I know he must've done something to hurt you again," she said as she took Sage's hand."I'm not trying to persuade you to change your mind, but please don't distance yourself from me. The emerald pendant was a gift for you, not for my future gr