"Stay if you want. Just don't make too much noise. If you feel bored, read a book," said Ian.Only a fool would want to stay here, Sage thought to herself. Then, she glanced at him and asked, "Can I borrow your phone for a moment?""Is your phone dead?""No, but I just want to go on Instagram. Don't worry, I have no intention of invading your privacy. I can't see Layla's account, so I want to take a look using your account," Sage replied truthfully.Ian pursed his lips and unlocked his phone, handing it over to her."Thanks." Sage took the phone and opened Instagram, where she immediately looked up Layla's profile. To her surprise, Layla had sent Ian some messages, though he seemed to have ignored every one of them.Pulling up Layla's Instagram profile, Sage confirmed that Layla hadn't blocked Ian as every update she posted was visible to him. Sage couldn't help but feel irritated by this. If it weren't for the fact Layla was family, Sage wouldn't even have bothered caring about
The box didn't seem like it contained jewelry, but rather some kind of ornament. Sage walked over and opened it, revealing an exquisitely crafted bunny-shaped desk lamp. It was made of crystal and red gemstones adorned its eyes.When she pressed the switch, the bunny emitted a soft white glow from its body, while its eyes glowed a faint red. It was a beautiful and unique sight.Recalling that night at the restaurant where she had reached out to touch a bunny-shaped lantern, she thought that Ian must have guessed that she liked bunnies and brought this back for her.Although Sage didn't want to accept anything from Ian, this bunny was undeniably adorable. It would be a shame to throw it away, so she placed it on her bedside table.After a tiring afternoon of training, Sage indulged in a relaxing bath. When she emerged from the bathroom, Wanda informed her that dinner was ready. With a towel wrapped around her head, Sage put on some comfortable loungewear as she headed downstairs for
"Our marriage has been troublesome enough. I don't want to go through another uphill battle by getting a divorce. I'm busy with work every day. I don't want outsiders speculating or questioning the reasons for my divorce, nor do I want to upset Grandma because of it."Although Ian's reasons were quite legitimate, they made Sage chuckle. "That's okay, but signing a piece of paper won't be a hassle. Besides, there's no shortage of women who want to marry you."Sage didn't mention Ivy, so Ian wouldn't think she was talking about her. "I believe your new wife will treat Grandma even better than I do. Grandma won't be upset then."Although Linda cared for her, it was only because Sage was her granddaughter-in-law. Sage was well aware of this.Ian was rendered momentarily speechless by Sage's words. "Sage, what exactly has suddenly made you so dissatisfied that you're in a rush to free yourself of this marriage?"He had made it up to her for missing their fifth anniversary by letting he
Sage didn't dare to sign anything recklessly. So as she took the paper to make the two men lower their guard, she reached into her pocket to grab her phone to call the police.But just as her fingers touched her phone, a hand suddenly reached out from behind and forcefully pulled her back."Ah!" Sage screamed in fright, swinging her fists and kicking with her legs blindly in an attempt to fight back"Hey! It's me!" When Sage heard Ian's voice, she stopped struggling.She looked up and saw Ian's face. However, because of how dim the streetlamps were, Sage couldn't make out his expression clearly."How did you get here? Where are they?" Sage asked, her heart still racing.Ian's voice was grave. "They ran away. Why did you come to such a sketchy place for your walk?"Having calmed down, Sage felt her legs go weak. She sat down on a nearby rock. "I just happened to be passing by! Who knew I would encounter them? Call the police, quickly!"Sage took out her phone, but Ian said coldl
Sage wasn't in the mood to bicker with him. If he wanted to carry her, so be it. She wasn't the one getting tired anyway. Having waited on Ian for so many years, she shouldn't feel bad about benefitting from him for once.With this thought in mind, Sage fell silent and placed her hands back onto his shoulders, leaning back slightly to adopt a posture that suggested she was making him her laborer.Ian understood her intentions, and for a moment, he didn't know whether to be angry or amused. The two walked back home without exchanging a word, maintaining this intimate, yet oddly, distant posture. When they arrived, Sage prepared to get down to change her shoes, but Ian continued to carry her."Are you planning to carry me upstairs?" Sage asked.Ian replied, "It's only a few steps away." With that, he carried her upstairs.Wanda heard the commotion and came out. Seeing the affectionate scene, she smiled like a doting aunt before quickly retreating to the kitchen. All the while, Sag
"Benjamin wouldn't dare touch me!" Priscilla declared."I have plenty of dirt on him. But for the sake of our child and the fact that we're married, I haven't gone after him. If he ever dares to lay a finger on you though, I'll fight him with everything I've got, even if it means using everything I've got!"Sage was touched by Priscilla's protectiveness. Despite their age gap, Priscilla was truly someone who dared to love and hate. She was a friend worth having."Priscilla, don't get too worked up. Ian said he would investigate the matter thoroughly. I'll let you know if there are any updates." They chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up. That night, Ian didn't return to the bedroom even after Sage had fallen asleep. He was really upset by her actions.It was quite a shock for someone who had always chased after him and entertained his whims to suddenly stop caring about him. Anyone in his shoes would have felt a sense of loss.Whatever changes that Donald had mentione
Sage didn't expect Donald to buy a gift for Ian as well. But apart from that, he intended to give it to him under her name. The old man had certainly thought it through.Since Donald had set things up, Sage had no choice but to play along in Ian's presence. She took the box from Susan and handed it to Ian. "Here.""What is it?" Ian asked calmly.She responded equally calmly, "You'll know once you check it out.""Alright now, you can have a couple's talk later. For now, take a seat and have something," Susan said to them. The staff at the revolving restaurant were busy helping customers grill the seafood they ordered. Sage took the nearest seat, and Ian sat beside her. Susan, a lover of heavy foods, ordered a mountain of seafood and had the chefs grill them for the party. Not only that, she requested for them to add more spices and garlic seasoning."Aunt Susan, Ian doesn't take spicy foods," Sage blurted out, her mind still on the gift from Donald. She noticed a faint smile on
"Where are you going?" Ian demanded.Sage chuckled and explained, "I'm giving up my seat to Layla. Didn't you hear her earlier?"He commanded, "Sit down." His eyes flashed with a subtle annoyance. It seemed that he wasn't interested in Layla at all.However, Sage wasn't going to shield him. She was about to leave her seat when Susan intervened, "Layla, what are you doing? You're an adult. It's time to stop clinging to Sage and Ian. Come have a seat beside me. I ordered your favorite seafood."Susan and Owen had silently observed the interaction among the three. They picked up on Ian's frustration and did not want to risk humiliating Layla. Susan then added, "Who said Ian and Sage are getting a divorce? They're doing well.""Ian, just ignore Layla's nonsense. She has liked squabbling with Sage from a young age," Owen chimed in with a smile.Ian said nothing in response. When he noticed Sage standing, he reached out to pull her back into her seat.Since it wasn't the right time an