Despite not saying a word, Ian clearly did not recall Abby from his lack of response. However, Abby didn't seem to mind. Smiling, she reintroduced herself, "I'm Abby Sutton. We met at a dinner party at Yremdale a year ago. You were chatting with my dad when I accidentally bumped into you and spilled my wine all over your suit."Ian frowned for a while before recalling the incident. "Oh! Are you Dale Sutton's daughter?"She purred, "Looks like my dad is more famous than I am. It's fine, though, as long as you remember me now."Then, she changed the topic. "Mr. Holcomb, do you need more rooms? I booked two rooms. I can give you one!"Although Abby sounded pampered, she wasn't the annoying type. She had sweet looks and a petite frame, which hinted at a need for protection."Ms. Sutton, would you be short of a room if you give it to us? There must be a reason you booked two rooms," questioned Sage.Abby chuckled. "It's fine! I booked two rooms in case Thorn might not want to stay i

Once again, Sage felt the change in Ian. Not once had he forcefully dragged her home at the airport, on the flight, or at the hotel lobby, even though he was upset to see her with Shane.Moreover, not only did he promise to win her back, but he also promised to treat her right, something he had never done before. He seemed determined to do so too, judging from the earnest look in his eyes.She would have hesitated and reconsidered getting back with him in her past life, or at the beginning of her rebirth. However, this time, she simply rejected him numbly. "No."His eyes were filled with disappointment. "Dear Sage, why do you have to be so determined?""Stop addressing me that way like we're close," she jeered at him. "Ian Holcomb, do you know what upsets me the most?"He replied with a tinge of guilt in his tone, "I know, Sage. I'll give you an explanation."No. He couldn't possibly know. Shaking her head, she remarked, "I don't need an explanation from you. Just stay away from

Shane's question was pointless. Of course, Sage wouldn't know. She even asked him a few times about his hostility toward Ian, but he skilfully dodged her question. Did he plan to tell her now?Curious, she questioned, "Why?""If you're curious, come sit at the back of the car. It'll be easier to talk," Shane suggested nonchalantly.Without hesitation, she joined him at the back of the car, as she was very curious about the beef between the two men.Besides, there was a chauffeur present. Shane wouldn't dare pull anything funny on her. Anyway, even without the chauffeur, she knew him well enough to understand that he wouldn't lay a finger on her.Soon, Shane joined her in the backseat. He closed the car door and snapped a photo of her. Then, he sent the photo to someone along with a voice message. "See, Mr. Holcomb? Sage is seeing me off at the airport. She's even sitting beside me in the car. You lost to me!"Sage finally realized the reason Shane brought up his grudge against

Sage instinctively reached out for her phone, prompted by the ringtone. She stopped midway when she recalled she had changed her ringtone some time ago.At the same time, she saw Ian calmly unlock his phone to answer a call. Puzzled, she wondered why he'd use her old ringtone, which was a recording of her voice. She thought he'd long deleted it. But to her surprise, he had set it as his ringtone.She couldn't help but note the irony in his actions. She had to beg him to use the ringtone in the past, but he couldn't be bothered. He only started using the ringtone when she had moved on.After taking the brief call, he joined her. She ordered, "Delete that ringtone."He responded with defiant silence."Ian Holcomb, what do you want? Do you think you could change my mind by calling me 'My Sage' and changing your ringtone to my voice?" She snorted at him. "Didn't I warn you not to waste your time on such nonsense? I will not feel touched.""I can address you however I like and use wha

Sage had claimed she wanted a glamorous name for the panda, but she failed to think of any. Finally, she went with her heart and named it "Apple"."It's the apple of my eye. The name I gave it might not sound special, but it's simple, easy to remember, and suitable for a female!" she explained with seriousness.Ian nodded along. "That's a good one. Let's go with it.""Ms. Joyner, I think it's a nice name! Just like 'Thorn'!" Abby agreed.The staff went along with Sage's choice. They awarded Sage the certificate after confirming the name. Apart from that, they informed her of the privileges that came with the adoption. For example, the handler would keep her updated on the panda's growth. She also had the right to visit the panda at any time. Sage was excited at the thought of a panda adopted and named by herself."Ms. Joyner, Mr. Holcomb, why don't we follow each other on Instagram? That way, I'll also be able to send you the videos and photos I took for you," Abby suggested.