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