Sage read the message several times before concluding that the message was from Ian. Did he have a screw loose? Why did he ask her about it when he knew she was mocking him? Since he asked, she didn't hold back. "The doctor said your condition is too serious. He suggests that you see a neurologist first."Even though she noticed he was typing, she didn't receive any messages for a while. Just then, Michael sent her the address for the barbecue. Sage then turned off her phone.After saying goodbye to Priscilla, Sage drove to the address Michael had sent her. When she arrived, she saw Michael and his friends already there.The group had spread blankets on the field and set up makeshift tables and chairs. A variety of beverages and snacks were on the table, and a barbecue grill was set up not far off. Someone was eagerly tending to the fire.The lads were all young and full of energy, even when doing such tedious tasks. Everyone was laughing and chatting away."Ms. Joyner! Over her
Sage couldn't help but sneak a peek when she heard that name. As she craned her head, she saw Henry York. He was dressed in a tracksuit with his hair slicked back. He was hanging out with two other shady-looking men while smoking cigarettes.Instinctively, she hid behind the bamboo grove."That woman and a few of her classmates will snap some photos here. Of course, I have to stick around." He took a puff and exhaled. "Relax! You're free to leave after you help me with something. I'll even foot the bill for a night out at the bar!""What do we have to do?" one of them asked."Shove that Layla chick into the lake.""Whoa! What are you up to, Henry? Murder is illegal!""What the hell are you talking about?" Henry kicked the guy. "I'm only asking you guys to push her into the lake. I'll save her right away!""Ooh, I see what you're up to, Henry. You're going to be her knight in shining armor, huh? Then, you'll be able to give her CPR, take her to a hotel, help her change into a fre
"Hello? Ms. Joyner, are you in there?" Just then, Michael's voice came from outside. Sage walked out of the restroom and smiled at him.He awkwardly explained, "You've been in there for a while. I was worried you couldn't find your way back, so I came over to check on you.""I just got caught up on a call, that's all. Let's go," she responded casually.Sage didn't run into Henry and Layla on their way back to the barbecue area as they were in different locations.Kai and the gang were working the grill when they got back. Some of them munched on snacks and sipped on beer, and someone was also strumming a guitar. The atmosphere was laid-back and chill."Would you like a beer, Ms. Joyner?" Michael asked.Sage shook her head. "No thanks. I still have to drive."Besides, she had already drunk too much last night, so she needed to take it easy today.Nodding his head, he passed her a juice box. He also took one for himself, and they settled down on the field."It must be nice to be
The man got out of the car. He was tall, handsome, and clad in a smart suit. His chiseled features appeared stern under the light. It was Ian! Terry, donning a similar suit, was walking with him toward the restaurant.Ian glanced over at Sage as he noticed her gaze. Terry saw her, too, and nodded politely at her.She assumed that they had an appointment here. Sage smiled at Terry but ignored Ian. Then, she said goodbye to her new friends before walking away."No way! He's walking toward me! Do you think he's going to talk to me?" the woman beside Sage whispered nervously to her companion.Sage took a look and noticed that he was walking toward them. The man came to a halt in front of her."Did you drink again?" he asked lowly.Sage pouted. "What's it to you?"Ian looked at her without saying a word. The woman who had exclaimed earlier heard their conversation and realized Ian hadn't noticed her. Hence, she reluctantly left with her companion.Sage scoffed internally as she coul
"Ooh, I guess someone knows her very well, huh?" one teased."Let's not joke about her anymore," Michael said solemnly. "After all, she's a girl. Some jokes might be harmless to us but could cause her trouble."The others quieted down when they noticed the usually good-tempered Michael getting visibly upset.…Meanwhile, Sage had her back to Ian in the car. She didn't want to talk to him. Ian, too, remained silent. His handsome face was hard-set, and his jaw muscles were clenched. He seemed to be holding back his temper.He was probably waiting for her to explain why she had gone to dinner with Michael and his friends.Even if they weren't getting a divorce, he still didn't have the right to dictate who she could and couldn't be friends with. Hence, she didn't feel the need to explain herself to him.Not long after, the car pulled up to Solaris Estate. Ignoring Ian, Sage exited the car and stormed into the house.Wanda breathed a sigh of relief when she saw her. "Mrs. Holcomb,
Ian jumped upon hearing Sage's words, and his expression darkened. "Sage Joyner, are you just bringing up the divorce because you think you can use it to threaten me?""Well, are you feeling threatened?" Sage retorted."Don't be ridiculous!" he snapped. "I'll sign the divorce papers tomorrow! I'll even accompany you to the courthouse!" He threw the documents aside and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.Sage was stunned for a moment. She took a minute to compose herself before settling into bed. Ian had finally agreed to a divorce. She was finally free!Sage unlocked her phone to share the good news with Tiana. However, when she opened Instagram, she noticed a flood of likes and comments on her recent post. She clicked on it and noticed that, besides some friends and Michael, Shane had also liked it.Shane had even left a comment. "Congratulations on finding your way back to the right path."Sage understood he was implying that loving herself rather than Ian was the "right
"Hello? Earth to Sage. Please don't tell me you're feeling sad again because you were thinking about how Ian was panicking about another woman," Tiana teased when she noticed Sage had spaced out.Sage rolled her eyes at Tiana. "Do you seriously think a 5-star hotel would have a random safety hiccup?""Logically speaking, no," Tiana answered. "Do you think there's something fishy about Ivy getting injured?"Of course, it was suspicious. But Ian must've looked into it. Ivy must've covered her tracks well if even he couldn't find anything. Even if she tried to look into it, she would probably find nothing. But even if she did find something, Ian would probably get the wrong idea and suspect her of scheming again. He might assume she could not move on from him, which was why she was harping on the issue. Anyway, Ivy was the one in pain. This little scheme of hers would not affect Sage as long as she didn't care about Ian's opinion."Let's not talk about this anymore. I have good ne
"Do you have magnifying glasses for eyes or something? I can't believe you spotted him when there's barely a hint of his face."Tiana continued, "He's good-looking, especially when he's looking at you like that. Ooooh, I see that twinkle in his eyes.""Oh, hush. Don't make stuff up."Sage zoomed in on the photo again. Michael was sitting next to her. Even though only half of his face was visible in the picture, one could still see his chiseled features and the way he looked at her. His bright eyes were filled with warmth."So… did you chow down all that seafood and wine with that hunk?" she asked.Sage clarified, "No, we weren't alone. There were a handful of people there. Oh, and you've met him before. Remember the last time we went shopping? He was the one I helped pick out the suit for at the mall. His name's Michael.""No way! Him? What a small world. Is he the one Ian was rude to?" she asked."Yep.""I'm guessing he only agreed to the divorce after you two fought?""What