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
Sage was about to respond when she heard Josephine ask, "Why are you standing at the entrance, Mr. Holcomb?" Wasn't Ian still in Toledon? Was he back already? Sage turned her head in confusion, and sure enough, Ian was standing at the doorway.He was dressed in his usual white shirt and black suit, but he seemed to have lost a few pounds, and he looked sickly. Sage had no idea how long he had been standing there, but his dark eyes were deep and mysterious, like a bottomless pit."Why are you standing there, you lil' rascal? Come over here and say hello to Sage!" Linda ordered.Josephine set the fruit platter down and went back to the kitchen. Ian walked slowly toward them. His gaze darkened as he glanced at Sage. He parted his lips as if he wanted to say something, but ultimately chose not to."What have you been up to these days? Why do you look so listless?" Linda asked, puzzled."I ran into some trouble in Toledon, Grandma Holcomb, and he got injured while trying to help
All of a sudden, Sage became wary. "No more than three times a day."Shane retorted, "That's not enough. Make it five.""Four. No more than that. That's the limit," she said firmly.He was at a loss for words.Just then, Tiana walked in and witnessed them haggling over the number of phone calls permitted per day. She tried her best to contain her laughter and said, "Come out for a second, Sage. I need to talk to you."Sage stepped outside, and the two of them found a quiet spot to sit down."I hope I'm not interrupting you guys," Tiana said as she batted her eyelashes.Sage was aware of what she was getting at. She rolled her eyes at her friend and said, "Nurse Tiana, if you're that free, why don't you consider becoming the leader of a gossip squad."Tiana responded, "Sure, do you know any good squads?"Sage was at a loss for words. She rolled her eyes again. "Alright, spill it. Why did you drag me out here?"Tiana explained, "I heard that Ian is coming to our hospital for tr
As the two of them chatted, Sage noticed a man in a white coat walking down the corridor. He was tall and handsome, and he had a pair of silver-rimmed glasses on his nose. It was none other than Wilson.Tiana noticed him as well. "Let's continue our conversation inside the ward," she told Sage."Tiana," Wilson called out to her."I'll head inside and give you guys some space," Sage said."Ms. Joyner," Wilson called out to her as well.Sage was slightly surprised. She couldn't believe that Wilson, a man who usually avoided small talk, had actually taken the initiative to greet her. "I heard from one of Tiana's colleagues that your friend got injured. If there's anything I can do to help, please let me know," he said.Sage was even more surprised, but she maintained her composure and nodded politely. "Thanks." Then, she headed toward Shane's ward. Tiana looked at Wilson apathetically. "What do you want with me?""I was checking on a patient in the cardiology department and hea
Wilson hurriedly stopped his mother. "What are you doing?"Wendy responded, "I'm going to find her boss and give them a piece of my mind. How could she be so disrespectful?""Please don't do that, Mom!" Wilson raised his voice slightly.Wendy snapped, "Is that any way to talk to your mother, Wilson? How much longer are you going to go against me for that woman? "Have you forgotten how she threatened us? She said such awful things about us and demanded to get a divorce. Why the hell are you still chasing after her so desperately?"Frustrated, he responded, "She's not wrong. We didn't treat her well.""Why are you speaking up for her?" She was livid. "How have we treated her poorly? As your wife, isn't it her job to take care of you and your parents? If others can do it, then why can't she? "Besides, with her level of education and job, she should be grateful to marry into our family! How dare she be so temperamental? She talked back and threw things just because we criticized h
Ian said calmly, "I just got back from a business trip and came by to check on Sage."Giselle didn't ask more questions. She explained to Sage, "I just saw Selena over there. I went to her and clarified that this was my idea. Selena said it was okay."Seeing Selena's calm and relaxed demeanor, Sage didn't have the energy to pretend to be friendly with her.She said to Giselle, "I'm going back to the ward," and then headed to the elevator.Ian was at her heels. "Sage, if you're too tired, just lean on me."Sage stayed silent and didn't respond to Ian, just staring blankly at the numbers on the elevator panel.In the hospital room, Tiana had been waiting for Sage for a while.Seeing Ian, Tiana was equally surprised and asked, "What are you doing at the hospital? Weren't you on a business trip away from town?"Ian succinctly said, "I came back once the task was done."Tiana looked at Sage. "How did it go?"Sage nodded numbly. "Pretty good."Tiana could tell from Sage's expressi
Sage paused slightly in her steps and turned to look at Shane. Her voice was slightly hoarse as she asked, "Is there anything else?"Shane felt an indescribable discomfort as he watched Sage's unsteady appearance.But he didn't know why he had to call out to Sage, especially since he didn't remember anything about her."Since you say we are good friends, and I got hurt because of you, why can't you visit me more often?" Shane questioned, finding a reason.“Sorry, she won't be available.”As soon as Shane finished speaking, the door to the hospital room was suddenly pushed open.Sage turned her head and saw Ian's tall, upright figure.He was wearing a custom-tailored black suit, looking like he had rushed over from somewhere, carrying an air of exhaustion.Ian had been on a business trip for the past two days. Why did he suddenly show up now?Sage glanced toward the doorway but didn't see any signs of Giselle.Sage had a faint guess about who was behind this. She gave a self-d
Shane's thought process was quite logical.Sage calmly replied, "You were worried that she was only momentarily taking a step back, so you couldn't fully trust her and wanted to observe for a while."Shane also mentioned that when Sage came to the hospital room two days ago, the way she spoke to him was very familiar. It wasn't like how typical business partners would interact.Sage admitted that they were not just business partners but had become good friends through their interactions."But I wouldn't take a good friend to my mother's grave," Shane suddenly said.Sage was taken aback upon hearing this. Had Giselle told Shane about this, too?Seeing Shane looking at her, Sage calmed herself. "You were deceiving Giselle."It's not just this, but also some of our daily interactions. You embellished the details and even went out of your way to act nice to me in front of her."Shane indeed did that before. Sage wasn't at all diffident to talk about it.Shane could see it, too. "S
Taking a deep breath, Sage knocked on the hospital room door.Giselle walked over, glanced down the hallway, and asked with a puzzled expression, "What took you so long? Where did you go?"Sage forced a smile. "There were a lot of people waiting for the elevator."Giselle saw how broken and fragile Sage looked. Thinking she was worried about meeting Shane alone, she couldn't help but gently pat her on the shoulder."It's okay. Take your time talking with Shane. If Selena returns, I'll tell her that everything was my idea."Sage didn't have the energy to explain further to Giselle. She simply said thank you and then walked into the hospital room.Shane sat upright at the head of his bed, dressed in a hospital gown, with bandages still on his head.His handsome face looked a bit thinner than before. Under the hospital room's lighting, he had the delicate appearance of a frail young nobleman.Shane was also quietly observing Sage as she walked over.She had a slender and delicate
Selena nodded. "It's understandable, Ms. Joyner. However, before you go to see Shane, could you take a moment to hear me out?"Sage was aware that Selena had been deliberately waiting for her.Sage sent a message to Giselle saying she would be a few minutes late, and then followed Selena to the stairwell beyond the emergency exit.The stairwell was brightly lit, with gleaming floors and an overall quietness that inexplicably added a sense of oppression.Sage asked, "Ms. Morrison, what do you want to talk to me about?"As soon as she finished speaking, Selena suddenly knelt down in front of her."Ms. Morrison, what are you doing?"Sage hurriedly went to help Selena, but the injuries on her back hadn’t fully healed yet. The movement caused her wounds to hurt, and she winced in pain, furrowing her brow."Ms. Joyner, please don't help me up. Let me finish speaking."Selena's face showed determination, and her almond-shaped eyes, similar to Shane's, had a hint of tears."I know Sh
Since Giselle already knew, Sage didn't deny it. She asked directly, "So what do you think? Are you planning to go abroad with Shane?""Do you even need to ask? Of course I'm not going!"Giselle was somewhat annoyed. "Nothing's going on between Shane and me! Why would they suddenly want me to go abroad with him?""But your brother thinks this is a good opportunity for Shane to develop feelings for you," Tiana said.Sage also shared Marcus' analysis with Giselle. "Your brother hopes that you and Shane will end up together in the end. If you still have some feelings for Shane, this could be a good opportunity.""I couldn't care less about such an opportunity!" Giselle said. "No matter how much I liked Shane, that's all in the past now."I'm not a martyr. I would never degrade myself just to win a man's affection. Besides, even if I gave him everything, what I might get in return could be resentment, not love.""Giselle, you are truly wise and perceptive!" Tiana couldn't help but s
"However, Elle has become more thoughtful and no longer acts willfully now. I believe that Shane will change his opinion of her."With them spending so much time together, there's a high chance that Shane will develop feelings for Elle."Sage fell silent. People were naturally fragile when they were alone and were easily moved by the care and warmth shown by others, especially considering they would be in a foreign country.Therefore, it seemed highly likely that what Marcus mentioned could happen."Even though my parents agreed to dissolve Elle's engagement, they are quite satisfied with Shane. They watched Shane grow up and know him well."If our two families could be united through marriage, it would be a joyous occasion for everyone."Ms. Joyner, I know that Shane likes you, but he has currently forgotten you. You also understand that it is very difficult for the two of you to be together."Even if Elle didn't accompany him for the treatment abroad, Mr. Morrison Senior would
Marcus put down the gift he was holding and said tactfully, "I've heard about your situation from Elle. I just visited Shane, and I thought I'd drop by to see you as well."Sage thanked Marcus and invited him to sit down. Then, unable to hold back, Sage asked, "How is Shane doing? Is he okay?"Because Shane didn't remember her, and the Morrison family wouldn't allow her to visit, Sage hadn't been able to see Shane in person for the past couple of days.Marcus said, "He's doing okay, more or less. He has multiple injuries, and his hand and leg are not very functional. On top of that, he frequently gets headaches, and his mood is quite unstable.""He probably remembered you, right?" Sage asked intentionally.She could definitely guess that Shane remembered Marcus. However, she wanted to know if Shane still harbored the same hostility toward Marcus.Instead of asking directly because it didn't seem appropriate, she decided to ask a different question instead.Marcus knew what Sage
George acknowledged her with a slight nod, while Simon asked bluntly, "What are you here for?""I heard Shane has woken up and came to check on him," Sage said honestly.Simon's tone was stern as he said, "Ms. Joyner, you should be aware of the current situation with Shane.""We won't hold what happened between you and Shane against you anymore, but we hope you'll stop bothering him in the future and completely cut ties with him."Before Sage could speak, Giselle's voice rang out. "Mr. George, Simon!"Seeing Giselle, Simon's attitude softened a bit.George also had a kind smile on his face. "Have you come to see Shane, Elle?"You see, even though Shane has forgotten so many things, he remembers everything about you very clearly. That shows he still cares about you," joked George.Giselle glanced at Sage and replied with a hint of playfulness, "Mr. George, you really shouldn't joke with me like this."Shane hasn't completely lost his memory, so it's perfectly normal for him to