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 knew that he would only upset Sage like before if he walked over. She was all smiles with Shane, but her expression immediately became cold when she turned to look at him. She even warned him not to pick a fight with Shane. A wave of bitterness washed over him, and he ultimately turned around and walked away. After she was done playing the drums, Sage was practically glowing. Shane handed her a glass of water and said, "I have a band at my bar. Since you enjoy playing that much, why don't you join them and perform whenever you're free?""Are you talking about the bar where you had a bunch of bodyguards surround me to show me who's boss last time?" she asked.Shane was tongue-tied. Why was she bringing this up now?"What would've happened to me if Ian hadn't shown up that day? Were you really going to tie me up and lock me in a storeroom?" she pressed.He felt guilty when she asked him that. "Of course not! I'm a law-abiding citizen. I was just going to scare you a little."
The alluring woman's face fell. "You used to invite me out for dinner and drinks in the past, Mr. Morrison. How could you forget me so quickly?""I don't remember you anymore. Stop bothering me," Shane said, showing no mercy.The woman didn't push it. She walked away sheepishly with her glass of wine. No one paid much attention to this little episode. After all, the guests who attended a party hosted by the Sutton family were either rich or influential, and there were always women eager to get closer to these wealthy young men.However, Shane still came over to explain himself to Sage. "I hope you won't get the wrong idea because I really don't know her."Sage deliberately said, "Mr. Morrison, you're known for being a playboy. I know for a fact that you've had women crash into your car just to hit on you, and you're always surrounded by women in bars and clubs. It's only natural that you have a few close female friends. You don't have to pretend you don't know her.""I seriously