Chapter 80Sage's POVDiego had kept to his words and returned later that night. He had met me asleep on the couch and taken me to the bedroom. The next day, I woke up feeling mortified but fell back when I saw him watching me from the door. When he was sure I was alright, he left me to Tina who took good care of me.She might have noticed a strain between us but she didn't ask questions about it. I'm better and more resolved at heart but Diego and I had not spoken a proper statement to each other since that night. As much as I loved the space, I was beginning to feel suffocated by the silence on my part. I wondered if he felt the same.But I couldn't guess as I barely saw him. He left early before I got up and returned when I was deeply asleep. He was avoiding me. The thought stung me the way I felt it would. The last time he did that was a month ago, and I couldn't keep my head leveled; this time around, it had been three days and seven hours already, and I had become very attached
Chapter 81Sage's POVWhen I stepped into the familiar structure of my company's building, a small smile framed my face. I had missed this place. It had always been my haven. I wondered what I would have done if I had completely lost it. Go crazy? Whatever it could have been would have been terrible. This was the more reason I had to fight for it. I had to take back what was mine.Determination surged through me as I walked further into the building, the hum of the buzzing room settling around me. My employees were ecstatic to see me, and I noticed a few relieved faces amongst the crowd as I headed to the elevator. It must have felt like a nightmare for leadership to be changed overnight to them. I wasn't bragging, but I was a good boss– never difficult, just straightforward, and my employees were here because they shared the same values as me. However, if Alex had taken over, I had a feeling he would have made things difficult for them – some might've been sent off and replaced with
Chapter 82Sage's POVMy heart skipped a beat as Violet's words hung in the air, their impact leaving me momentarily speechless. As I stared at her, my lips parted but my voice caught in my throat, unable to form a response."What?" I finally managed to choke out, my voice a little too high-pitched to be casual.Violet arched a brow, clearly amused but also serious. "You heard me"I swallowed hard, my eyes darting away from Violet's intense stare. Her blunt question had caught me off guard, leaving me feeling exposed and vulnerable, without a defense to hide behind."That's ridiculous," I muttered, forcing a laugh that didn't sound right even to my ears. "Why would I—""Sage." The way she said my name made me snap my mouth shut. I could tell she wasn't buying it. But what was there to buy, I wasn't lying.I pushed my hair back, fingers trembling slightly. "Violet, I don't know what you're talking about""Don't you?" Her voice was almost gentle now. "You've been different lately. The w
Chapter 83Sage's POV"Sis!" I jumped, startled when Bella called out behind me.I had left the undies store and was standing in the waiting area, staring into space as my mind whirled with different thoughts about what I had felt earlier. After leaving there, I didn't feel watched. Now I couldn't help but wonder if one of those women in the store had been staring maliciously at me."I'm sorry I startled you, are you okay?" She asked, panicked when I turned to her."Um, Yeah," I forced a smile. "I was thinking about something relating to work, were you saying something?"Bella skeptically looked at me then she gazed around the room before returning her attention to me. Her brows furrowed, but thankfully, she didn't push it. "Yes, I said I'm done, we can leave now"My eyes dropped to the bags she was holding; some of them had been hung on her arm. God, she was such an extra person. I believe if it were left to her, she would buy the whole building. It's no wonder Diego had a very vague
Chapter 84Sage's POVThe weight of the day pressed down on me like a heavy log. Violet had been brought to the hospital and she was inside the ward being attended to by the doctors. By the time we had arrived, she had fallen unconscious. The image of her pale face and bleeding head wouldn't leave my mind as I sat outside the ward, clutching my trembling hands together as silent tears rolled down my cheeks. Bella sat beside me, her arm wrapped around my shoulders as she whispered soothing words I couldn't process.All I could think of was who did this to her? And why? Kian stood a few feet away, speaking in hushed tones with his men. Their serious expressions only deepened my anxiety. I tried to think back to any activity lately that I thought was strange that could be related to this incident but I couldn't figure anything out. I was blank, scared, and lost. What would I do if I lost Violet? God!"Diego!" Bella's sudden exclamation startled me, and I snapped my head up.He was here
Chapter 85Sage's POVThe strain between Diego and me, which had been forgotten due to the event of the day, was suddenly reinstated when we left the hospital. The drive back home was in silence. The realization that we might not speak to each other like before left an ache in my chest.The pain of Violet's condition, coupled with this, felt like a metal hand was squeezing my chest. Sighing, I pushed my plate of food away and leaned back in my chair. Tina had prepared dinner just for me since Diego had opted not to eat, leaving me alone in the dining area. Not that it mattered, I had no appetite.A few minutes of brooding passed, and I only realized when the sound of the doorbell startled me. My eyes darted to the wall clock. It was late. Who could it be? I had my bets placed on Bella but still doubted it, she had been scolded by Diego at the hospital for dragging us to the mall. I don't think she would want to come here now. And thinking back, I should have said something – anything
Chapter 86Sage's POVI swallowed hard, my throat dry as Diego's gaze bore into mine. The intensity in his eyes made it impossible to look away, even though I wanted to. "I...I don't know," I whispered, the words barely audible.His expression hardened, a flicker of something painful flashing across his face before he masked it. He exhaled sharply, stepping back and letting his arms fall to his sides. "You don't know?" He repeated, his voice tight with frustration lacing each word.I wanted to say something but the lump in my throat refused to budge."I've done everything to show you I care, Sage," he said, his voice dropping but cutting through me no less. "I've fought for you, waited for you, but if you still can't figure out what you want—" He stopped, his jaw tightening as he ran a hand through his hair."I'm done. I can't keep playing mind games with you." He said finally, his voice firm. A stabbing pain pierced through my chest. It felt as though his words had materialized into
Chapter 87Sage's POV The next morning, I got dressed and left for the hospital as early as I could. I didn't want to face Tina or Diego. Especially Diego. I already knew he'd avoid me today, giving me the space I supposedly wanted.But I didn't want that space anymore. I didn't know what I wanted, honestly. All I knew was that I needed Diego by my side, and the thought of him keeping his distance hurt more than I could admit.My steps were quick and deliberate as I strode down the hospital hallway, clutching a bag of breakfast and a bouquet of fresh flowers. Dr. Warner had mentioned Violet might wake up early today, and I wanted to be there when she did. Just seeing her awake and smiling would bring some relief after yesterday's nightmare.However, as I reached her ward, that tiny flicker of relief was extinguished. My feet faltered at the sight of my parents outside the room.What were they doing here?When I neared them, my mom noticed me first. She stood up quickly, her face ligh
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