Chapter 114Sage's POVMy heart pounded in my chest, fear coursing through my being as I squinted in the direction of the figure to make out who it was. The statue looked like that of a man and, somehow, familiar, but I couldn't place out who it belonged to. However, knowing it was familiar, heightened my fear."W.. who are you?" I asked, taking a step back as I flickered my gaze to my phone on the floor. Diego was still on call and he could help me.The person chuckled and I froze on the spot, eyes widening as recognition flowed in. I opened my mouth to speak but he stepped forward, a predatory grin lingering on his lips as he stared at me.I scrunched my face in annoyance and disbelief, gasping. "Theodore!"He smirked, then picked up my phone, ending the call abruptly. My eyes widened as he tossed the phone across the room. Dread settled in the pit of my stomach when he looked back at me. He seemed different and it was terribly. There was an unhinged look in his eyes, like he could
Chapter 115Diego's POVAs I sped through the highway, my heart pounded in my chest, and my entire system burned with rage. If anything happened to Sage, I would lose it. It felt as though the car chose to drive at its pace and it was getting on my nerves.It was barely two minutes after the call with Sage, but it felt like an eternity, and all I could do while cursing my luck for not being fast enough was hope. Hope that she had fought Theodore. I had heard it when she gasped out his name. How had he gotten inside? How did he breach all that security I placed around her house?I clenched my jaws and my grip tightened on the wheel as a thought hit me. Could one of my men have betrayed me? I cursed under my breath, punching the steering wheel like it were his face. If it turned out that one of the guards helped in, he would have a companion on his way to hell.My mind reeled as I finally got to the estate, Sage's apartment was located and in a minute, I was pulling over roughly before
Chapter 116Sage's POVIt was all a daze.I thought I had heard Diego whispering to me but my brain couldn't process a thing. I only knew that somehow, I was safe and still breathing. Still alive.*****My eyelids felt heavy as I attempted to pull them apart. My whole body felt like I was being held down by weights that kept pulling me down no matter how much I tried breaking free. This left my system numb but for some reason, I kept pushing to open my eyes.And I did.I winced painfully as the bright light penetrated my sour and tired eyes. It was as if someone was pointing a flashlight directly at my face. I snapped my eyes shut, my entire system now adjusting to the environment and before I opened them again, my nose had picked up the strong smell of chlorine and bleach, a typical smell of the hospital.I almost gagged at how strongly it invaded my nose.My blurry gaze ran through the room and then to the IV drip inserted in my hand. My head felt heavy and from it came a pang of pa
Chapter 117Diego's POVSage's lips were moving but my mind was focused on the way her face was scrunched up in faux annoyance. A small smile twisted my lips, when last had I seen her this close and freely? I'd fucking missed her and heaven knows, I would have lost my mind if she wouldn't have survived this.This time, I wasn't going to let her go no matter how much she objected. But I doubted she would, she had said nothing but smile when I told her that. That fucking smile! It had stirred something within me that I hadn't felt in days. God, whatever she had done to me, I liked it. No, I loved it."Diego!" She snapped, her voice cracked but enough to get me out of the trance she'd trapped me in. I blinked, shaking my head slightly and giving her an inquisitive lookThe frown on her face deepened. "Did you hear what I just said?""No, sweetheart. I heard nothing, can you say that again?" I smirked, raising my brows and she gave me an eye roll that made my heart jump."Stop flirting wi
Chapter 118Sage's POVWhen my eyes opened after what I believed to be an hour later, they fell on Kian's burly frame in the middle of the room, and before him was Diego, ruffling his hair.I blinked, my eyes taking in his angry expression as he ordered Kian to find someone. Who was he talking about that made him so angry? Kian looked equally agitated, I could see that with the way his shoulders tensed.What were they talking about?"Diego," I called out almost gagging as the scent of hospital seeped into my system, filling my lungs. Gosh! I can't stand the scent of the hospital anymore. I just want to go home.Diego turned to me and the angry expression on his face earlier wore off, replaced by that of worry as he covered the distance to me. My brows shut up, worry filling my system as I thought of what it could be that had been bothering him."Did we disturb your sleep?" He asked, gently as he took my hand. I motioned to my bed and he nodded in understanding, helping me sit up. I sm
Chapter 119Sage's POVDiego carried me to the restroom attached to my ward, and the moment he set me down, his lips crashed on mine, capturing them in a slow, sensual kiss that set shivers running through my body. My breath hitched as the warmth of his touch spread through my body, igniting my entire system.I sighed into his mouth, moving my lips desperately to match his pace. It was a rough and passionate kiss, different from the one we shared moments ago. His hands moved to the small of my back, rubbing his thumb in circles, and slowly, he pulled the knot that held the dress as a piece. I melted against him, moaning in pleasure, everything forgotten as that moment, it was just him and I.We broke from the kiss, both breathless but our bodies were ignited with the primal desire for each other. Diego stared deeply at me, his eyes holding a glint of dark desire as he rid my body of the hospital gown. He dipped his head, and kissed my shoulder blade, trailing up to my neck and chin.
Chapter 120Diego's POVSage kept stealing glances at me throughout the ride back home. Once, I'd caught her and noticed there was a subtle blush across her face as she did. I couldn't help but chuckle at her sudden change of attitude. Usually, she would be bolder after we had sex or made out, but today, she was acting shy. I didn't mind the change, though, but it was new, and she looked fucking cute.I don't think she knew how cute she looked acting all shy. Watching her ride my fingers to find her release was one of the prettiest things I'd ever seen. And I know this was part of the reason she kept stealing glances at me. Had she felt embarrassed? Or was it because she wanted more? It had been there in her eyes when she stared at me but I couldn't take her now. Not when she was still recovering.I turned to look at her as she stared outside the window, frowning at the bandage wrapped around her head that had been replaced by a nurse before we left the hospital. I still wasn't comfor
Chapter 121Diego's POVA hint of something – fear maybe – flashed through his eyes, he clenched his fists and rose from his chair, glaring at me."Listen, Ivanovna, I don't care about whatever business you have with Roosevelt or what he has done to you, but you don't get to come here and threaten me just because you can!" He snapped, a muscle ticking in his jaw.My lips curled with a knowing smirk, seeing that I'd riled him up. "I'm glad you know that I can and you should be aware that I don't make empty threats. You're currently working on one I executed, isn't it?" I asked, my eyes dropping the papers on his desk.His eyes dropped to them, and his frown deepened. He wasn't expecting that I'd tell what those papers were from where I stood, but what kind of fool wouldn't know what security papers looked like from afar? I'd dealt with those half – if not all – of my life, and I knew what they looked like."I don't know where Theodore is!" He spat, looking confused, his brows pulling t
Chapter 133Sage's POV"Sage" Diego's soft voice whispering in my ear roused me from sleep. I heaved a sigh, begrudgingly pulling my eyelids apart to see him crouching beside me with a concerned look.However, my attention was somewhere else. It was on the tray of breakfast he had kept carefully beside me on the bed. The delicious aroma of freshly made waffles and maple syrup wafted into my nostrils, leaving me disoriented for a second."Hey, are you okay? You look sick." Diego's voice brought me out of my reverie, and I looked at him, running a hand through my hair."Did I pass out?""Maybe, I stepped out to get you breakfast. It's not even been up to thirty minutes, and you're already fast asleep," He explained, a breath of relief leaving his lips as he took me in with his eyes."Well, it's not my fault that I'm exhausted. Someone wouldn't let me catch a break," I teased, biting my lips as I looked away, and he chuckled, a deep rumble that sent heat to my core. God, I can't believe
Chapter 132Sage's POVHis threat hit her like a storm, bringing her to a dramatic pause. I let out a breath, scoffing when I saw how heavily she was breathing. Was all this terrible energy good for the baby's growth? My eyes trailed to her baby bump and instantly, I felt a mix of pity and concern for the life forming inside of it.Both of its parents were unreliable; how would it turn out?Diego walked to us and stood between us. He cast her a long, brooding glance as if measuring his prey, and she trembled slightly, dropping her hand to her side. He then looked back at me, and I nodded, grinning back at him.His lips twitched but his expression remained unreadable as he turned back to a fuming Emily."For the first time, Ms. Emily, you made the right choice and you better stick with it because I don't make empty threats." He told her and chills traveled down my spine at how menacing he sounded."This isn't over yet" Emily spat, glaring at me. The sheer intensity of the rage in her e
Chapter 131Sage's POVAugusto's revelation of Dean being adopted left me feeling torn between anger and pity. I was angry at him for letting the secret drag on to this point but then, if I were in his shoes, I wouldn't have had the guts to shatter the poor boy's heart either.I let out a sigh, staring out of the window as the car sped on the highway. Dean would be feeling devastated right now, anyone would. Imagine learning that your whole life was a lie and the people you cherish so much don't share a relationship with you. He was right to be angry, but aiming his anger at Diego was intolerable."Where are we going?" I asked when I noticed that Diego had taken another route from the one that led us home.He sighed before responding. "To the hospital. I want to visit my aunt""Okay," I nodded in understanding. "What do you think Dean has in mind?"His jaw tightened, and so did his grip on the wheel, but his eyes never left the road. "Whatever he does, I'd be a step ahead of him""I k
Chapter 130Diego's POVAs my grandfather descends the stairs, a dreadful feeling settles on my chest. I don't know why but I feel like he's going to say something I'm not prepared to hear. When the call was made last night, he tagged our visit as urgent.With him, anything urgent is often bad news and I don't think I need any of that now that I'm getting my life together.Getting to the foot of the stairs, he whipped his head in our direction, and a smile appeared on his face. He looked paler and weaker than the last time I'd seen him. His condition was deteriorating fast, and everyone could tell, but he didn't want to receive the necessary treatment. I wondered why he would choose to do something like that."Diego, Sage, you're welcome. I'm glad the two of you could make it" He said as he walked toward us."How are you feeling today, Grandpa?" Sage asked him as he neared and he chuckled. "I feel much better but there's so much taking a rest can do"He glanced at me and offered a war
Chapter 129Sage's POVMy mind was filled with questions and skepticism as I stepped out of the house, heading toward the car where Diego stood waiting for me. He was dressed in slacks and a causal black shirt. Though, not formal as always when he'd be in suits, he still looked breathtaking.Approaching the car, he smiled slightly at me as he opened the car door for me to get in. When I was settled, he got into the driver's side. It was something around past five in the evening and we were heading to Augusto's place for dinner.It had been an invite from the old man the previous night which was tagged as urgent. I thought it was weird but Diego was keeping his mind open for the possibilities of what was to come.I couldn't help the tension building in my chest, the last time we had dinner at Augusto's place, the old man had thrown Dean back into the company despite knowing how terrible Dean had been to Diego in particular. I wondered what it was going to be now."What do you think is
Chapter 128Author's POVEmily stood at the bus stop, her face contorted to a frown as her eyes scanned the area for any sign of the man who had called her phone an hour ago.She had been in the backyard of her house, tanning under the sun, when she received a call that had her agitated. She didn't know who she'd spoken with but the man said he knew where Theodore was. That was enough to get her out of the house.Though standing here now, she couldn't help thinking if she had been lied to and if someone was trying to trap her. Her frown deepened when someone walked past her, bumping into her. She staggered, almost falling but she grabbed the pole for support and slowly lowered herself on the bench."Fucking bastard," She cussed under her breath, placing her hand on her protruding belly. She was six months gone, and now that she needed Theodore the most, he was nowhere to be found and, apparently, in Diego Ivanovna's bad books. Could she survive this?Her brothers didn't want anything
Chapter 127Sage's POVDiego's words hung in the air, thick and heavy, as though the weight of them could pull me under. I love you. He said it so effortlessly, yet it felt as if the earth had shifted beneath my feet. My lips parted to speak, but no words came out. I couldn't breathe, couldn't think."I love you," He repeated, cupping my cheeks and placing his forehead on mine. My eyes remained glued to his face. I was stunned, and my heart was hammering in my chest so much that I feared he could hear it."W... what?" I finally found my voice but it came out in a whisper. All my anger had been forgotten in the heat of the moment, I just wanted to be sure I wasn't hearing things."Say something, Sage," Diego pleaded softly, his hands running down my cheeks. His voice was raw and filled with emotions."I…" My voice cracked, and I shook my head slightly, short of words. I mean, I'd been waiting to hear those words from him, and truly, when he said it, I felt the world spinning, but now,
Chapter 126Sage's POV"I need to use the restroom," I'd whispered to Diego and then left the room. But stepping out there on my own turned out to be a mistake because I had no idea where the restroom was located. And everyone was too immersed in the party's buzz to hear me out.Luckily enough, I managed to ask one of the servers at the party where I could find the female restroom, and I was glad she'd helped. I found my way to the restroom, and after doing my business, I brought out my small purse of makeup to do a quick touch-up on my face. The night had been easy going so far, but I'd been sweating a lot, and my make-up was beginning to smother.I smiled at my reflection in the mirror after I was done re-applying my make-up. Just when I thought of leaving, my phone rang in my purse. Reaching out to it, I saw it was Violet calling."Sage, I've been calling you for ages." Violet's voice came from the other end, and my lips pursed. I had noticed my phone ringing earlier. "Anyway, wha
Chapter 125Diego's POVAs expected, Nick had not thrown a simple party like he had made it out to be over the phone. The house, which was located in a private estate downtown, was filled up by the time Sage and I arrived, and it was already loud as the bass sounds filled the room.With each thump of the bass, the room would vibrate and fuck; for a moment, I thought my head explode. When was the last time I'd been to a club? Months ago. Five months and some weeks ago, precisely. I recall the day vividly like it was just yesterday. And the reason for my swift memory was right beside me, nodding her head to the music.Nick was lucky Sage was excited to be here, else, I'd have left the moment we arrived. Prowling through the sea of bodies, my hold on Sage remained firm as I led her to the room in the back hall, which I suspected would be quieter. Nick was such a fucker, that he didn't even bother coming down to welcome his guests."Where are we going to?" Sage asked, her voice loud over