Chapter 129


    “Uncle Ron really liked the wine I gifted himst time. I’ll have someone deliver a few more bottles to


    him.”


    n


    “Rest well. I’ll be going now.” He then got to his feet and left the ward.


    Sage woke up the next day feeling refreshed. She was so tired from practicing self–defense with


    Michael the day before. After a refreshing and soothing bath, she climbed into bed and drifted off into a


    deep slumber.


    Sage stretched her arms and yawned. She was about to reach for her phone to catch up when she


    found a deep red brocade box on the nightstand. Intrigued, she opened it and found a pair of delicate


    diamond earrings nestled inside.


    The earrings were simple yet elegant, with just the right amount of sparkle. It was perfect for everyday


    wear without being too ostentatious.


    She had never bought such earrings before. Plus, it was ced on her nightstand, so it was clear that it


    was meant for her. Did Ian leave them here? Had he returnedst night?


    She had slept so soundly that she hadn’t noticed a thing. Did he leave the earrings there as a way of


    apologizing for seeing Ivy yesterday?


    –


    He had never been one for gifts. Even when she had dropped hints on numerous asions- birthdays,


    holidays, or anniversaries he always brushed them off with excuses like he was busy, wasn’t


    interested, or she should just pick something out herself. It seemed like he was bing more


    thoughtful.


    Sage set the earrings aside, washed up, and did her skincare routine. After she had freshened up, she


    picked up the earrings and held them up for a closer look.


    Upon closer inspection, she had a feeling that she had seen these earrings before. Sage frowned and


    pondered for a moment before it hit her–she had indeed seen them before… on Ivy!


    Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org.


    Ivy was wearing them in a series of photos she posted on Instagram. The caption to her post. read, “I


    mentioned that I loved orchids when I was a child, and someone remembered it! I’m so grateful to have


    received these custom–made earrings, so I took a few photos to


    At the time, Sage had been green with jealousy, and she couldn’t help but look at the pictures over and


    over again. Eventually, she couldn’t take it anymore and sought sce from her grandmother–inw.


    Under her coercion,n reluctantly bought her a pair of earrings as well.


    Sage couldn’t believe these earrings had somehow ended up in her hands! Just then, someone


    opened the door. Sage turned around and noticed it was Ian.


    His expression remained unchanged when he spotted the earrings in her hand. “I came to get


    something,” he said apathetically.


    +15 BONUS


    “Did you buy these earrings?” she asked.


    He nced at her. “I figured I’d save you from your usual spiel about me never getting you anything.


    Otherwise, you’d use this as an excuse to go and bother Grandma.”


    “When did you get them?” she demanded.


    Ian could tell she wasn’t in a good mood. He suspected that she was about to interrogate him. She


    could at least smile even if she couldn’t muster up a simple thank you.


    “What’s your problem?” Ian frowned.


    “The stores were all closed when you left yesterday. Plus, you were in such a rush to get to the


    hospital. There is no way you had the time to get them,” Sage stated. “So you must’ve bought them


    beforehand. But you didn’t give them to me right away when you got home. Instead, you waited until


    after you returned from the hospital…”


    “So?”


    “So, it’s nothing but trash!” Sage flung them into the trash can. “And that’s where it belongs.”


    Ian’s forehead creased when he looked at the diamond earrings in the trash can. “Sage Joyner, what’s


    gotten into you so damn early in the morning?”