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
A car drove by on the road across the street. Its headlights briefly illuminated Ian's handsome face, revealing the complexity in his eyes. As the car passed, Sage also looked away."Ian, I can let go of the past and not hold a grudge, but the damage that has been done cannot be erased. I won't start over with you. I will have my own life."The sidewalk outside had mostly returned to its peaceful state.Sage continued in a neutral tone, "Ms. Sutton has informed me about your recent situation. I think marrying her would be a good choice for you."You haven't changed your view of me for years, which shows I'm not that important to you. We're getting divorced anyway, so if you want love, you might as well focus on Ms. Sutton."She and her dad both have a very good impression of you. If you're willing, you could have a happy marriage and a stronger business empire.Sage's words were like nettle leaves—appearing soft and gentle, but when touched, the pain they could cause you was unbe
Ian didn't insist. He got up, went to the fridge, grabbed a bottle of cold water, and drank it all in one go. Afterward, he thoughtfully served Sage a glass of warm water.Tiana arrived half an hour later.Upon entering the room, two people in the living room came into Tiana's view.Sage was reclining on a long couch with her legs propped up high, reading some kind of document.On the other hand, Ian was sitting on a single-seater couch. He was supporting his forehead with one hand and holding his phone in the other, as if listening to someone's work report.The odd atmosphere in the room gave Tiana a feeling that the two of them were discordant and in sync at the same time.Hearing her enter the room, Ian ended the call and politely greeted her, "Ms. Ford.""What are you doing here?" Tiana asked, puzzled.Ian said, "Sage sprained her ankle, so I brought her up."Tiana glanced at Sage's foot, which had indeed been bandaged tightly, and walked up to her. "Why didn't you tell me
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