Chapter 102Sage's POVThe next day, I was at work running meetings till noon. The last meeting with my team of workers had very productive reports. Everything was slowly going back to normal, and I believed if we kept up the pace, we'd be back on track. As for Alex's shares, my employees during my absence had rallied against Alex's involvement in the company's policies, and now, he had multiple things to deal with, including the board's vote of the majority which was in my favor.Considering how terrible, the last two days were for me, this was a beam of light in my dark world.The elevator dinged as it got to my floor, the doors slid open and I walked out. I was coming from discussing some architectural changes with the group of architects who were working on our new project. As I walked past the receptionist area, she flashed me a smile which was returned.Walking into my office area, I saw Violet on her desk, and when she saw me, a wide smile spread across her face. Yes, she had i
Chapter 103Sage's POVThe ride to the restaurant was cloaked in an uncomfortable silence, the kind where every unspoken word weighed heavily in the air. Diego, remained attentive, his hand brushing the small of my back as he helped me into the car and later guided me through the restaurant's doors.It was a beautiful place, intimate lighting casting a soft glow over the neatly set tables. Diego pulled out a chair for me, his touch staying longer as I sat down.The waiter arrived, and as we browsed the menu, I felt his eyes on me more than the menu in his hands. He was calm and collected, but there was something about the way his gaze lingered that made me fidget under the table.And then, just as the waiter walked away with our orders, a voice I didn't recognize broke the fragile bubble we were in."Diego! Is that you?"I turned to see a tall, stunning woman striding toward us. Her heels clicked against the polished floor, and her lips curved into a smile that could probably charm th
Chapter 104Sage's POV"I don't like being ignored, Sage," Diego said, his voice low, a hint of teasing still laced in it. "Especially not when you're upset""I'm not upset," I shot back, trying to regain some semblance of control because I was losing it. He was so close that his scent evaded my nostrils up to my senses."Really?" He murmured, his lips quirking into that infuriating smirk again. "You've been steaming ever since Carla showed up"Why wouldn't I? She was leading you on, shamelessly. My chest tightened as I recalled how she tried brushing her hand against his. Though he had avoided her touch, I still felt infuriated, and he was right; I was steaming. Oh God, no!This was coming off the wrong way."Let me go," I said, my voice faltering as I tried to push away, but his grip didn't budge."Not until you admit it," He said, his tone playful yet firm. "You were jealous, weren't you?"I glared at him, refusing to give in, but the intensity of his gaze made it hard to hold my g
Chapter 105Sage's POV"I guess we got carried away, sweetheart" Diego smirked as he looked at me. I had blushed so much in thirty minutes and even now, I couldn't help the heat that crept up my face. My heart was racing so hard that it was a miracle that it was still a part of me."Fuck you!" I shot at him as I tried with shaky hands to pick up my bag, but he did so before me, laughing, clearly loving the sight of an embarrassed me.Why didn't he tell me we'd stopped moving if he knew? He had to have known. He was Diego Ivanovna, after all. He knew everything. Even what I was thinking and thought of him. He knew that much which is why he was laid back when I tried to fight him off earlier. Fucker!"I love the offer, Wildcat but not today. Not now. You're a mess already and we need you with a clear head for work, don't we?" He continued teasing and I bit back the smile that threatened to cross my face at his silly expression. He had seen me crack way too much today and it's all Carla'
Chapter 106Diego's POVA small frown graced my face as I walked into my grandfather's mansion. I hadn't been here in a while, hell, I hadn't even set my eyes on him since I returned from Vegas.I'd only followed up with his condition through Bella, who remained the ever-chatterbox. Not that I minded at this point because no matter how mad I was at Augusto, he was still my grandfather and I had to care.But his cunningly pressuring Sage for an heir had zapped at my already thin patience for him."Diego, you're here!" Mom called out the moment I'd fully stepped in. She was in the living room and as usual, her eyes were glued to a soap opera showing on the TV. She stood up and smiled tiredly as I headed toward her. She didn't have to say it but I knew she was exhausted. The past few days, she'd spent taking care of grandfather that she barely had time for herself. "Are you okay?" I asked as she pulled me into her embrace. "You look pale. I've asked that you take rest numerous times bu
Chapter 107Sage's POVThe sun rays peeked through my window casting a warm glow over my face. I tossed and slept on my side, trying to go back to sleep when my phone chimed loudly near my ear. The blaring sound made me jerk up, begrudgingly.What in the world... I cursed inwardly as I searched for the device with my hand roaming around the bed. When I got hold of it, I cursed again before turning it on. The frown that had been on my face slowly melted when I saw that it was a good morning text from Diego.It was barely a text of five lines but my whole face was flushed. God, why would he go hard on a text? He apologized again in the text, said he wanted me to come back, and wished me a great day. It sounds normal, but he had chosen rather a cheesy way of conveying his message.Now, I won't be able to stop thinking about him. I could barely work the previous day as my mind kept going back to the kiss we shared in his car. I kept thinking we could have done more than that if not for th
Chapter 108Sage's POVThe weight of Vincent's question weighed heavy on my chest. I pressed down my tongue trying to reign in the curse words that threatened to burst out.How did he know about the contract?Violet.Anger flared in my chest.Why did Violet tell him about the contract? I know she had a habit of telling him everything but this... Not this as well.I leaned back against the chair and attempted a nonchalant look. I was between admitting it was truly a contract and brushing it off but I knew that with Vince, the latter was the better option. He knew already and it was obvious.I pressed my lips together into a thin line. "Um...""Don't lie to me, Sage. I know all about the deal" He interrupted, eyes narrowing as he stared at me. "You had just gotten divorced, anyone would have thought it through"He had a point, but not everyone managed to see through mine and Diego's bluff – at least half of his family hadn't, but now, I was beginning to doubt it. What if they had known
Chapter 109Diego's POV"What are you doing here, Bella?" I asked Bella as I walked into the office. She was seated on the couch across the room, with a cup of coffee in her hand."Can't I come visit my big brother?" She asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice that didn't go unnoticed but I chose to ignore it as I crossed the distance to my desk.Sitting down, I brought out my phone, hoping to see a response from Sage, but there was none. I hadn't been expecting any response earlier but now, I wanted one. I sighed and dropped the device. What was going through her mind? How much longer was she going to make me wait?I didn't realize that Bella had occupied the seat across from me till she cleared her throat. The sound brought me out of reverie and I pinned her with a glare she wasn't bothered by."Tell me, Diego. Did you and Sage fight?" She asked, taking a sip of her coffee."And how does that concern you?" Leaning forward, I asked and she shrugged."So you guys did fight! What do I ex
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