Chapter 18Sage's POV"Sage, I know you're mad at your father and me for certain reasons but you can't just block us out. We're your parents, we worry about you" Mom said, softly.I had been in the living room with Bella trying to imprint her best impression on me when I got a call from Violet saying it was urgent. Turns out my parents were the cause of the urgency. I should've known.They were at my house and wanted to see me. For what reason? So that they could call me a disgrace again? Suddenly, I felt glad that Diego chose today for the meeting with his family."Mom, I know you and Dad have my best interest at heart but it can be suffocating sometimes. I just need for you guys to stop making decisions on my behalf, I'm not a child anymore," I said with a sigh, if only they could understand this point. Every parent has the right to worry for their child but mine was overdoing it and it was straining our relationship, hurting us all."Can you come home so we can talk about this?" Sh
Chapter 19Sage's POV"No!" I gulped down nothing. "I mean we have no plans of going on a honeymoon"Vivian's smile dropped causing a stir in my chest. I didn't mean to make her sad, she had too many expectations – Hopes."Sage dear, I understand that you and Diego are busy people but I want you to make out time to spend with each other," She said softly, cocking her head to the side as she awaited my responseI nodded thoughtfully, "Don't worry Vivian, we will take out time for sure. Maybe we'd make it a family trip" The words slid out of my lips with so much ease that left me questioning myself. This relationship was a lie and here I was nurturing it for whatever reason.Her eyes lit up once again, a smile reappearing on her face, "I like that idea""Me too. We could go to the Caribbean" Bella chimed in making me flinch a bit. I'd almost forgotten that she was seated right beside me.I was about to say something when I spotted Diego descending the stairs. I breathed discreetly a sig
Chapter 20Sage's POVThompson was rather calm and cooperative as the meeting continued. I'd felt he would have a lot of other shit to sprout about my sense of operation but he didn't.As the meeting came to an end, the investors looked content and proud of the outcome of it. We had put out and rephrased the financial budget for the company's projects during the second half of the year.Our market value at the moment was peak. The highest we've ever experienced. Thompson didn't seem happy to give me the credit but he had no choice.I was happy to watch him reluctantly applaud for me along with the others. Too bad he didn't succeed in his aim of badmouthing me, however, he had a lot to tell Theodore the next time they met.I exchanged handshakes with them before walking them out of the room.Violet was outside and she collected the file from me, "They look pleased""They are. Ecstatic in fact." I felt a sense of pride as I spoke, "The Jersey project and its performance in the market is
Chapter 21Sage's POV"Is my husband in?" I asked Tina as I stepped into the house. She was seated on the couch watching a series."Yes, he came back some minutes ago" She replied getting to her feet. She picked up the tote bag which which had been sitting next to her making me stare at her in confusion."Oh okay. Are you going somewhere?""I am going home. I usually don't stay, dear. Last night was the exception since it was a special request" She gave me a knowing stare and I cleared my throat."Alright, see you tomorrow" "Sure. I made dinner for you two, don't forget to have it" Her voice was calm but I couldn't help but detect a hint of a tease in it.I turned and watched her as she left, fighting to keep my expression neutral. This woman was definitely teasing me and it was notable from the short laughter she gave when she turned to wave at me.Fuck, my face was flushed. She might be thinking of something else...I closed the door and sighed, squaring my shoulders as I headed to
Chapter 22Sage's POV"This place is gorgeous," I gasped in awe as we entered a restaurant located around the outskirts of town.It took around forty-five minutes to get here."This way," Diego said as led me to an empty table by the window behind the room. The restaurant was small and warm. There was a homely touch to it that brought me comfort.The aroma of grilled chicken with garlic filled the room and it made my stomach grumble. I suddenly felt hungry to the point of feeling my guts twisting."How did you find this place?" I asked, scanning the room. Apart from both of us, there was another couple occupying the table in the middle of the room. They seemed to be fighting for the menu even though there was another one before them."During one of my random drives around town. I stopped by to get a treat and it has been one of my favorite dinner spots since then" He explained and I nodded thoughtfully.We picked the menu on the table and went through it. As we did, a man approached u
Chapter twenty three Diego's POV"You know papi, you don't have to be modest around me. We both know what we want here" Sage slurred, staring at me through half-lidded eyes. Her hands played with the hem of my shirt and slowly found their way inside, running up my abs.The night had ended with her getting drunk. I took note to myself, never let her drink alcoholic wine again. I closed the door behind me gently and headed toward the bedroom.She grumbled something about me wanting to fuck her and a small smile stalked across my face. I stared at her perfect figure in my arms, she was drunk yet seducing me as though she was in her right mind."I know what I want, sweetheart but I doubt you're ready for it" My voice was hoarse and low. If only she knew how much a single stare from her could set me off, she wouldn't bother trying.My breath caught when her hand moved from my abs to the waistband of my pants. This woman was playing a dangerous game and she knew the right moves to make."I
Chapter 24Sage's POVFuck!My head hurt, I thought as I contemplated opening my heavy eyelids. My head was throbbing as though a bass drum had been stationed in my skull.My eyelids parted and instinctively, my hand went up my face palming it as I winced in pain. I squinted, a groan leaving my lips as I struggled to sit up on the bed. Damn! The last time I drank that much was when I was still a freshman at college. I might be a party freak but drinking is out is out of the books for me.My mouth was sour and dry. I needed water. Why did I drink so much last night?A wave of dizziness crashed over me as I tried to sit up, I clutched the bedside table, steadying myself and when I was up, I brought my knees to my chest. My hands went to my head, gently massaging my temples.I heaved a sigh, my eyes darting around the room to see if Diego was in. The faint scent of his cologne meant he had been in for a while but he didn't sleep here last night, the space next to me was cold and the she
Chapter 25. Sage's POV After breakfast, Bella and I left the house. Bella chose to drive and it probably was the worst decision I'd make in my life so far. Bella drove recklessly like she was in a video game with an unlimited supply of lives. I don't think she realized it though. When we arrived at the construction site, I met with the engineers present and had a few words with them then toured the place. The first place we went to was in the southern part of the city. The next site we visited, we watched the demolition of the buildings around. "I've always admired how you handled your business," Bella said as we returned to the car, "You're confident and graceful... Different" I smirked, "Don't flatter me, Bella" "I'm being serious" Of course you are, my lips curved upward as I got into the driver's seat. I couldn't risk my life again. "We should hang out again, next time," She said applying lipstick to her already plump red lips. I glanced at her, tempted to ask if she had
EPILOGUE( Two Years Later... )Sage stretched out in exhaustion after she had finished cleaning up Zara's mess. Zara was the last of hers and Diego's triplets, and recently, she wasn't feeling too well."You feel better, now don't you?" She asked, smiling at her daughter who smiled back as though agreeing to her words. The triplets – two girls and a boy – were turning two years old in three months, but they could understand and even say a few words, well, except for Zara, who seemingly wasn't that fast to catch up, but she was smart in her way.Casting them one last glance to be sure they were all set, Sage headed to her closet to put on the evening gown she had picked out earlier. Her parents had called, insisting that she come to dinner, leaving no room for argument. They'd even asked her to dress up but she wasn't going to put much effort. It was just dinner, and she couldn't afford to stay out with Zara for long.Normally, she would if Diego was around, but he wasn't, as he trave
Chapter 144Sage's POV( Two months later... )I stood before the mirror rubbing my small baby bump tenderly with a pout on my lips. I'd just finished eating a carrot cake but I was still craving more. I wished Diego were here to sneak some food for me.But that wasn't possible because he was with the guys getting ready for our wedding. Yes, today was the day of the wedding and I was dressed in my stunning wedding dress that was specially designed for me. Vivian had set an appointment with one of the best designers in the world just to get this dress made."You look gorgeous, bestie," Violet said as she walked into the room with Bella by her side. Bella had been busy running around to get everything done properly so I hadn't seen her a lot in the past days."She's right. You look super hot, and this dress is fucking stunning," Bella complimented, and my cheeks flushed as I muttered a thank you to both of them. What would I do without them? Violet especially.She was working with Dad a
Chapter 143Author's POVIt was around eight in the evening when Theodore stormed into Emily's apartment. He was seething with fury after learning of the preparations being made for Sage and Diego's wedding. He found it hard to believe that in the end, he didn't get Sage back. Instead, he was left prowling in the dark out of fear.Diego's men were still out there haunting him. He knew because he hung around bars where a lot of information was shared.He wasn't happy about this arrangement but what could he do? He had no plans and he was out of cash.The only reason he was back here was to sweet-talk Emily into giving him some money like he had done the last time.He walked into the living room, quietly putting an ear out in case someone else was present since sometimes, her cousins would drop by out of courtesy.He relaxed, however, when he saw her in the kitchen, chopping some vegetables. He took her in, frowning when he recalled the first time they met. She looked prettier then, and
Chapter 142Sage's POVI coughed as the cloth that was shoved into my mouth was pulled out. My eyes were open but I couldn't see anything. It was dark due to the blindfold covering my eyes.My breathing was labored and when I calmed down, I spoke. "Who are you? Why have you kidnapped me?!" I could feel someone's presence but couldn't tell where he was standing exactly. And now, that all my senses came back to track, my nose scrunched up. This place stinks. I tried to move my arms, but they were tied to the back of the chair, and so were my legs."What do you want from me?!" I called out again, breathing heavily as I thought of the only person psychotic enough to do such a thing. Theodore!My stomach sank and I swallowed hard."I'm talking to you, answer me!!" I yelled, "What do you want from me? Money? I have money, I can give it to you. Let me go!!" I heard someone snicker, and I bit my lips tightly, almost drawing blood. What had I gotten myself into? I should have stayed in the su
Chapter 141Diego's POVMy brows furrowed when the call ended abruptly. I took the device away from my ears and stared at the dark screen.I tried calling her again but this time, there was no response. The call didn't even go through. Something was off. I was standing in our bedroom and had been there for half an hour. Initially, I felt she went for a walk down the beach but after checking security, I was told that she left the hotel in a taxi.Anxious, I called her. She couldn't be out there on her own. Not when Dean had suddenly flown out of New York, last night. His destination had been Vegas but I still didn't want to trust that he'd let things slide without a fight.I took off my jacket and plopped on the couch, dialing her number again but it was still the same response. It was switched off.Something was wrong but then I hoped my hunch was inaccurate. I hoped that I was just overreacting and she was safe.Getting up, I grabbed my jacket and headed out of the house while asking
Chapter 140Sage's POV"I wish we could stay here forever. It's so comforting over here" I said with a sigh as we ate. Diego had placed the orders for our meals to match my food preferences lately.I had no idea he had been watching my dietary habits closely and knowing he had made my heart swell with many emotions."We can always come back if you want." He said in response, staring at me and I smiled."This definitely tops the list of my favorite places for vacation. I thought Berlin would remain special but I guess not." I muttered mostly to myself but I knew he heard me.The rest of dinner continued with us having light conversations about the food and place. He promised to take me to Italy just to taste a special wine because I'd complimented the one he ordered.I'd always wanted to visit Italy so I bought that idea. Besides, my flying anxiety reduced drastically when he was with me."When did you realize that you were in love with me?" I asked after a while, breaking the silence
Chapter 139Sage's POV( One Week Later...)"Why didn't you come when you heard someone scream? That could've been me." I snapped at Diego who was chuckling as I angrily rummaged through my bag for my credit card."I didn't come because I know what you sound like when you scream," He said, and my face flushed. I turned to look around the room, checking if anyone heard us; thankfully, there was no one around except a few ladies standing at the end of the hall, staring at Diego like he was some kind of snack.The stares were what caused this argument in the first place. A few ladies I'd met in the closet while checking out the dresses seemed confident about Diego checking them out and running to the closet when he heard a scream, but that didn't happen.And he wasn't wrong, I hadn't screamed.Clearing my throat, shoved my bag aside and placed my hands on my waist. "Where's my credit card?""You're not paying for your dresses while I'm here, sweetheart. Come here." He pulled me against h
Chapter 138Sage's POV"You knew about it, Violet, why didn't you tell me?""He asked me not to and truthfully, I thought it was for the best. I didn't want the two of you together. It was going to be awkward in many ways," Violet explained. I sighed, staring out of the window and watching as the houses and trees moved.I was on my way to my parent's place. They were back from their vacation a few days ago, and Mom insisted that I come to visit soon."Well, I don't think you have to worry about that anymore. He left, and I'm sure that's the last interaction we'll ever have," I said, shaking my head, and she just scoffed."Nah, he'll get over it. He did this to himself" She said dismissively."You sound like Diego right now." I pouted and she chuckled."That just shows you how amazing I am." She praised herself, and I rolled my eyes. After we bade our goodbyes, I hung up, counting seconds in my head as the car neared my parent's estate.Mom sounded so excited to learn that I was on my
Chapter 137Sage's POV"This is fucking delicious" I moaned as I bit into my hamburger. The food Diego had ordered was here and I couldn't contain my excitement as I bit into every meal present.Diego was watching me, fascinated and ready with a glass of water in hand in case I choked on something. How considerate of him.Suddenly, I turned to him and caught him staring, seemingly intrigued and awestruck."What?" I asked, swallowing hard"You look so cute that I can't help but stare" He smirked and handed me the glass of water he was holding.My face flushed and I rolled my eyes as I took the glass to my lips. After drinking, I continued eating till I was done with everything that had been ordered and damn, that was satisfying.I rested back on the couch, throwing my head back as I let the feeling of satisfaction wash over me. A while back, I felt like I would die from hunger which was weird considering the huge breakfast I had in the morning.Diego quietly cleared the plates from the