Since the last time Sage overheard Ian and Leo arguing in the study, she hadn't seen Leo at the manor again.She didn't expect Leo to come today.When Matilda saw him, the cheerful smile on her face faded a bit, replaced by a hint of indifference.Maybe because of Leo's strict demeanor, Sandy seemed to have become less cheerful. She moved over to Sage, who was the closest person to her.Sage gently took Sandy's hand to console her as she respectfully called out to Leo, "Mr. Holcomb."Leo's expression was always stern, and his eyes carried an air of undeniable superiority. When he heard Sage's greeting, he furrowed his brow slightly and gave a perfunctory nod."I told you not to come back without a good reason. Look at you, wearing that stern expression. You've scared Sandy," Linda scolded.Leo said, "She's spoiled by all of you, which is why she acts like a child. She's almost an adult now, but she has no opinions of her own and can't take care of herself!"Sandy shivered sligh
"Sage, is it because Ian treated you poorly that you want to be with this guy instead?" Sandy asked softly.Sage looked at Sandy. "Why are you asking, Sandy?""I overheard Grandma and Mom talking. Grandma sighed a lot and said that you used to really like Ian, but he hurt you a lot."Sage remained silent.Sandy continued, "Ian saw this drawing before, too. He seemed very upset and kept staring at it without saying anything."I asked him whether you would still come and spend time with me, but he didn't answer."Sage gently ruffled Sandy's hair and said, "Don't worry. What's between your brother and me doesn't concern you. Whenever I have time, I'll come to see you."Sage didn't know what Sandy was thinking of when her gaze became slightly dim."Mom also said that the issues between her and Dad had nothing to do with me. But I know that's not true."Back in Yremdale, when Dad went to visit Mom, they argued about things concerning me several times. Although Mom tried to avoid le
Sage didn't expect Matilda to suddenly bring this up. She tried to comfort her, saying, "Don't be sad, Mrs. Holcomb. You're taking great care of Sandy."Matilda shook her head, her voice tinged with bitterness and a hint of guilt."If Sandy hadn't been born prematurely because of something unexpected, she could have been very healthy. I can't make up for it no matter how much I look after her now."Although Matilda didn't explicitly mention what had happened, from her tone, Sage deduced that it had something to do with Leo. Otherwise, Matilda wouldn't have chosen to take Sandy abroad by herself.But it didn't feel appropriate to inquire about these personal matters."Sage, Sandy's father wants us to move back to the Holcomb Estate. I won't insist that you go there too."However, I'll still need your help with the incense. I'll bring Sandy to see you when you're available," said Matilda.Sage indeed was not planning on going to Holcomb Estate. But Matilda didn't necessarily have
There was a hint of disappointment in Ian's expression. "Sage, what do I need to do for you to forgive me?"He tried to avoid appearing in front of Sage because he didn't want to upset her. But whenever Sage saw him, she remained indifferent, showing him no warmth at all.Sage had already discussed this with Ian about this several times before and didn't want to talk about it anymore. "It's getting late, so I'll be heading back first.""I'll take you home," Ian said. Afraid Sage would refuse, he added an excuse, "I need to head back, too. I'll drop you off on the way."Sage didn't drive herself here. It was Matilda who sent a driver to pick her up.Even if she refused, Ian would probably just do what he did last time and wait for her in his car.So, Sage didn't say anything and went downstairs.There was no sign of Leo in the living room, and Linda had also gone to the chapel. Sage went inside to greet her before heading back outside.The night breeze blew in. Before Sage could
Without giving Sage any time to refuse, Ian briskly carried her to the hospital's nighttime emergency wing.Many people were struck by Ian's impressive height and striking appearance. When they saw him carrying a beautiful woman, holding her like a princess, their attention immediately shifted to the pair.Sage really didn't want to be stared at, so she turned her face toward Ian. This brought her a bit closer to Ian's chest. She was close enough to hear his strong heartbeat.Sage, for some reason, suddenly remembered her past life. She could only dare to get close to Ian when he was drunk, secretly curling up in his embrace to listen to his heartbeat.But now, Ian was this anxious over her minor injury. Even though she kept pushing him away, he still insisted on getting closer to her.Sage felt a mix of anguish and irritation."Hang in there. We'll be there soon," Ian said softly, sensing Sage's impatience.Noticing the pain in his voice, Sage couldn't help but lift her head.
Since she was already being carried, Sage decided not to be overly dramatic and stopped struggling. She really shouldn't be putting weight on her foot, anyway.Downstairs, Max had already opened the car door, waiting for them.After getting into the car, Ian lifted Sage's leg naturally and placed it on his lap. "The doctor said elevating it would help with recovery."As a result of that, Sage was sitting almost directly facing Ian. When she looked up, she could see his flawless profile.Sage shifted her gaze to the outside of the car.The car had already left the hospital and was now stopped at a red light. On the sidewalk, under the trees lining the road, a man was looking around.Upon getting a clear look at the other person's face, Sage suddenly tensed up.Ian noticed the change in Sage. Seeing the faint fear in her expression, he turned his head to follow her gaze.A middle-aged man wearing a loose coat glanced around with his beady eyes. There was a creepy and sleazy smile
Ian was 22 years old back then. He rescued Sage just in time, who was deeply trapped in fear and anxiety.Sage idolized him like a hero and knight back then and fell hopelessly in love with him."Sage?" A deep and cold male voice pulled Sage out of her memories.It was Ian, who was speaking with a calming tone, "Don't be afraid, it's all over now. This man was sent to the police station years ago and was locked up until last year."I didn't expect him to remain incorrigible. This time, I won't let him get out so easily!"Seeing the familiar handsome face that closely matched her memories, Sage's heart suddenly fluttered uncontrollably.Ian surprisingly still remembered the events from that year and could clearly recall the sleazy man's appearance."Ian, did you happen to find a crystal hair clip that day?" Sage's voice trembled slightly. Her beautiful, watery eyes were fixed intently on Ian.She remembered that when she attended the party back then, she wore a crescent-shaped c
"Sage, that Ian guy that you have a crush on came to the school looking for you! I deliberately tested him, saying I could help pass a message along, but he wasn't willing. It's obvious you've got him wrapped around your finger!"Even though you went through a lot with that whole self-pity act at the party, getting that guy to come to your rescue made it all worthwhile!""Ian is genuinely handsome and has an outstanding demeanor. Many girls were secretly peeking at him when he was here just now."It's no wonder you put in so much effort. For such a high-quality guy, you need to use a few tricks to win him over quickly!"Ian left the library before he could finish listening.In the present, Ian said, "I was extremely angry at the time, feeling mocked and deceived. When I got back, I threw the hair clip into my desk and never thought about it again."The lights inside the car had dimmed, making the contours of Ian's face slightly blurred, but his frustration was still palpable.Sa