Chapter 31. Sage's POV While having lunch with Alex, I couldn't help the thought that I was being watched. I felt self-conscious and anxious but that didn't stop the good time I was having with Alex. After we'd signed the deal and spoken to our respective lawyers, Alex insisted I had lunch with him and I had no option but to come along. Violet of course was against the idea but I came anyway while she headed back to the company. "After my grandfather died, Colton and I decided it would be best if we extended to the states. It was hard for a shift but we did it" He said raising his glass as if to raise a toast and I grinned, returning the gesture "Both of you took a bold step, your grandfather would be proud seeing the progress you have made so far," I said and he appeared to have scoffed. I thought the reaction was odd but let it slide. "So what are your plans?" I heard myself ask. To my surprise, it had been quite interesting speaking with him. His old habit of holding a captiv
Chapter 32 Diego's POV As I gazed out the conference room window, my mind betrayed me, drifting to Sage's lush curves, her skin flushed with desire. Memories of her body writhing beneath my touch taunted me, teasing my senses. I recalled the way her eyes sparkled, her lips parted in a silent scream, as I explored every inch of her. My fingers itched to retrace the paths they'd explored, to rekindle the fire that burned between us. I wanted to see her that way again – barred, unhinged, and mine. The meeting's drone receded, replaced by the echo of Sage's whispered pleas, her nails digging into my skin. My pulse quickened, my thoughts consumed by the primal urge to claim her. My thoughts were quickly replaced by a feeling of naught, I had left her hanging again and I knew she'd have cursed me to death already. When I left her on that table last night, she looked livid. I'd made it seem like I was settling scores as she'd done the same to me twice but if anyone was livid between u
Chapter 33 Sage's POV I adjusted my earrings and smoothened my dress and I stared at my reflection in the mirror. Tonight, we were heading to my parents' house for dinner. I could already imagine how much of a tense atmosphere it would be when we arrived there. Violet had been the one to inform my mom about our visit tonight but I doubt they would get their selves together and accept this relationship. Tonight would determine how far I place them. I was still hurting from their bad words weeks ago. Shrugging off the thought, I picked up my purse and walked out of the room. When I got to the living room, my breath caught when I saw Diego in the cellar. He had a glass of dark liquid in his hand and was on a phone call that looked quite intense. But I couldn't help the thought that he looked hot as he scolded whoever was at the other end. I watched him for a while before I chided myself to snap out of it. We both had been home quite early but had no interaction with each other. He
Chapter 34 Sage's POV "People can be daft and believe this lie you've put out but not me, Sage. You should know better" Dad rose from the chair, staring intently at me. I blinked coming out of my reverie, then leaned back on the chair. "Believe whatever you want but I mean it. I wouldn't be with him if I didn't want to" I said and folded my arms across my chest. He waved his hands around irritatedly like I was sprouting the most rubbish he'd ever heard. Maybe I was. I mean, I just confessed to being in love with Diego. Absurd! I wouldn't deny the attraction but having feelings for him way past that was not part of the plan. And would never be. "You didn't want to be with Theodore but you did because you saw a bigger picture. There should be one revolving around your engagement with him," Dad pressed on and I frowned knowing that he was getting to me. I shifted in my seat keeping my face blank "With you, there's always something big for the win, you're my daughter after all" H
Chapter 35 Sage's POV A week later... "I'll be seeing you in a few days, sis" Bella muttered as she hugged me. She turned and gave Diego who was leaning against the wall, a disappointed glance before storming out of the apartment. Silence befell the room. My hand traced the pearls embedded in the neckline of the dress I was wearing. I was decked up for the evening out with Diego to the Walters launch party. Everything had been going on in awkward bliss till Bella stormed in here yelling at Diego because of an auction. "You never told me about any auction," I said breaking the silence, and turned to look at him. His jaw tensed and rage flickered in his eyes. I don't think he likes the idea of the auction. He and Bella had been talking about some auction for about an hour or two and whatever the outcome of the conversation left her enraged hence, her leaving that enraged. "I didn't think it was necessary to tell you about it" He responded grumpily, "It's not like I'm happy abou
Chapter 36 Sage's POV Diego led me towards the mansion with his hand on the small of my back. His body hovered behind me as we maneuvered through the media. I noticed a few of his men pushing them back and wondered when they got here. He never went anywhere with them so it was surprising to see. "Are you okay?" He asked once we were out of sight of the crazy reporters. I nodded and looked at him, blushing when I met his intense gaze. "Cute" He complimented and my face dropped, I was about to snap at him when Greg Dickens, an associate of my father's approached us. We've met a couple of times. "Sage" He exclaimed and I smiled, he then turned to Diego, "Son, it's good to see the both of you. I heard about your marriage but doubted it, I can see for myself today that it is true. You see, no one knew about it, it was quite sudden" "It was kept between the families, of course, no one else would know," I said with a small smile. Dickens laughed, "You've always pointed out my ignoran
Chapter 37 Sage's POV "What's going on here?" Just as Emily's voice reached a fever pitch, a smooth, familiar voice cut through the chaos. I turned to see Alex standing by the side, his calm demeanor commanding attention. His eyes scanned the scene, taking in Emily's disheveled state and my nonchalant stance. A mix of surprise and guilt crossed his features as he stared at me. He took a step forward toward me ignoring Emily who was watching him, red from anger. "Sage–" Before he could finish, Emily's voice shrilled, "Cousin, help me!" Cousin? My eyebrows shot up. I'd guessed it would be such a relationship but hearing her say it confidently now, took me by surprise. She was Alex's cousin? Undoubtedly, a Walter. Alex's eyes drifted from me to her, his brows furrowed in annoyance, "Emily, what nonsense is this?" He thundered and she whimpered, staring at him in disbelief. I smirked. It didn't seem like she'd expected that from her beloved cousin "She attacked me!" Her voice wa
Chapter 38 Sage's POV "Since when has Emily been your cousin?" I asked Alex out of curiosity. Theodore had taken Emily to the hospital even though everyone knew that was not needed. The situation had been diffused and everyone was back in groups and having hushed discussions about what had happened as they didn't want to get on Diego's bad side. Not even the Walters'. I found the power he commanded sexy as fuck and blushed when I recalled a few times, he'd put me down with that side of his. Diego was by my side, our arms linked as Alex led us to the middle of the room. Alex turned and stared at me, "Recently, we found out about my uncle's illegitimate daughter. We tracked her down to reunite the family. Emily is the child" I nodded thoughtfully, recalling this uncle of his. I wasn't surprised he had an illegitimate child, he had a reputation for groping women back in the day. He'd passed away in a bar a few years back but no one knew the cause. It was concluded that he slumped.
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