Her heart felt full as she looked at Calvin's solemn expression and protective demeanor. Over the years, no one else had stood up for her except Sage."It's not about the incident at the mall last time." Tiana gave him a brief rundown on why Larry and Wendy had sought her out and what had happened in the ward."You're saying that they asked you to come over to get back together with Dr. Tate?" Calvin repeated. Tiana nodded."Would you have reconciled with Dr. Tate if he had chosen you just now?" Calvin asked nervously. Without hesitation, she responded, "Of course not."Then, she sighed. "I'm not upset because Dr. Tate didn't choose me. It just feels like everything I've done over the last two years has been for naught."He breathed a silent sigh of relief. "Don't let them get to you, Tiana. It's their loss.""I will cherish you," he thought to himself. Tiana was clearly hurting at the moment, so it would be inappropriate for him to say such things out loud. Plus, it'd look l
"Thank you," Tiana said sincerely.Looking into her eyes, Calvin said, "I hope you won't feel the need to thank me for anything I do or say one day."She met his gaze and understood exactly what he meant. Only those who were close would forgo such formalities. The temperature in the car felt a little high. Tiana rolled down the window a bit and looked outside.…Sage was furious when she heard what had happened between Tiana and the Tates. "How shameless! How could they act all high and mighty and make all those demands when they want you back? Who do they think they are?"She continued, "Thank goodness you've already gotten away from that family, Tiana! All of them are nuts!"Tiana nodded in agreement. She was relieved to be free of them."So, what did you think of Calvin's mother? Do you think she's someone you could get along with?" Sage couldn't help but pry after venting her frustrations.In her previous life, she never had the chance to meet Calvin's mother, so Sage h
Tiana checked her phone and noticed a message from Wilson."Tiana, I'm at the café we went to last time. Could you come over and meet me?"Sage saw the message as well. "Are you going to meet him?"Mulling it over, Tiana said, "Yeah." Even though she had said everything that needed to be said, she believed it was necessary to tell Wilson once more that their relationship was truly over and that she had no desire to maintain any connection with his family. "Do you want me to go with you?" Sage inquired.Tiana shook her head. "I'll be fine on my own."Wilson wasn't the kind who would pick a fight, nor would he go out of his way to make things difficult for her. After throwing on a jacket, Tiana made her way to the café. When she arrived, he was already waiting for her. "Tiana." Wilson greeted her as soon as he spotted her. She nodded at him and took a seat across from him."I ordered your favorite coffee and cake," he said awkwardly.Tiana looked at the Americano and Black
Tiana continued, "But that's because you don't understand me. I'm stubborn. I'll give my all when I love someone, but once I've made up my mind to stop, I never look back.""Tiana…""There's no need for you to feel guilty. At least I loved you wholeheartedly." Even though it was one-sided, she thought.Tiana took a sip of her coffee. "Stop doing these meaningless things, Wilson. I won't get back together with you, and I don't want anything to do with you. You're a great doctor, but you're not a good husband—""Tiana, I'll buy you gifts, treat your friends to dinner, and accompany you to your aunt's place in the future. You can tell me what else you want, and I'll change!" he said urgently.For someone who never expresses his feelings, it was rare for him to say such things. Tiana chuckled softly. "I don't want anything, and I don't need you to change. There's nothing wrong with you. That's just how you are. "You're reserved, and you have little to no emotional needs. But I nee
Sage was a little surprised to hear Sandy's soft voice. Beside her stood Matilda. Both of them weren't far away and had probably seen her messing around with Shane. Sage felt a little awkward. Considering the relationship between Shane and Ian, she skipped the introductions and walked over to them. "What a coincidence, Madam Matilda. What brings you two to the zoo today?"Matilda smiled warmly. "Sandy wanted to get out and see the baby animals."Sage nodded. "It's rare for Sandy to want to come out. That's a good thing."Then, she turned around and glanced at Shane. "Madam Matilda, my friend and I have some things to do, so we won't be able to join you. I hope you'll enjoy walking around with Sandy. The environment here is great!""Alright," Matilda responded."Sandy, I'll bring some incense to Holcomb Manor in a few days and play hide-and-seek with you then. I have to go now.""Okay." Sandy's eyes noticeably dimmed, but she nodded obediently.Sage's heart ached a little whe
Sage found it strange. Why did Abby look like she was rooting for her and Ian when Leo was attempting to set her up with Ian? Besides, from what he said, her family seemed to have agreed to it and was only waiting for Ian's approval.Considering Dale's evident adoration for Abby, it seemed highly unlikely that he would force her into an arranged marriage purely for business gains. However, if Abby had agreed to it, why did she seem so indifferent about her relationship with Ian?Shane assumed Sage was silent because she was at a loss for words. He scoffed. "Who cares about Ian? He's bound to be heartbroken anyway!"However, the couple weren't close enough to Abby to talk about their personal grudges. Sage shot him a look, signaling for him to shut up. "Alright. I'll zip it." He quickly went from being a big, bad wolf to a subdued puppy.Sage sighed. "Why don't you go take a look around while I have a chat with Ms. Sutton?""There are a few gentlemen over at the gazebo. Perhap
Everyone's attention shifted toward the door. Even though they couldn't see what was going on outside, they could hear the people in the yard calling out "Mr. Holcomb" and exchanging greetings. It was almost as if the host had arrived. "Woah, Mr. Holcomb's here! Ms. Sutton, I've heard that you and Mr. Holcomb are going to tie the knot soon. He must be here for you today!" one of the women exclaimed enviously."That's a given," another woman chimed in. "It's Ms. Sutton's housewarming party. Mr. Holcomb wouldn't miss it. If there's a union between the Sutton and Holcomb families, they'd be unbeatable!""Exactly. Both of your families are powerful, and you're both so good-looking. The two of you are a match made in heaven!" someone else added, eager to butter up Abby. "Hush it, you guys!" Abby said, exasperated. "Mr. Holcomb and I have no intention to get married. It all started at a gathering when an uncle of mine told my father and Mr. Leo that our families should unite. "Mr. Le
Sage looked in the direction of Abby's gaze and noticed Ian. He was wearing a bespoke black suit with a navy blue shirt underneath. His well-defined features and elegant demeanor made him stand out amongst the meticulously manicured garden. He looked like he had just walked out of a painting.Since she and Sage were talking about him, Abby felt a little embarrassed. "Mr. Holcomb, are you here to talk to Ms. Joyner?"Ian remained silent as he gazed at Sage with his deep, dark eyes. Sage was aware that he must've heard what she had said, but she didn't mind. After all, that was how she truly felt."I'll go get you guys something to drink!" Abby tactfully excused herself, giving them some space."Are you feeling cold? Do you want me to get you a shawl?" Ian asked, looking at her light clothing.Sage was a little taken aback. She had expected him to question her. Yet, he spouted such an unrelated question. She didn't wear a jacket because it was hot during the day. It was cooler i
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