Chapter 123
“Exactly. If word of their divorce gets out, who knows how many people will trample all over our family? It’ll be even harder for Layla to find a good match then.”
“Go home. I know what I’m doing,” Donald repeated when he noticed that his son and daughter–in–law weren’t backing down.
Noticing that his expression showed no room for negotiation, the couple left reluctantly.
Sage looked at her grandfather apologetically. “I’m so sorry for worrying you, Grandpa. I know I insisted on marrying Ian, but I’m dead serious about getting a divorce. I’m not joking, and I’m not taking this lightly.”
Donald didn’t say a word. Instead, he motioned for her to sit beside him and took her hand in his. “Sage, I know you must have your reasons for filing for divorce. But be honest with me, do you seriously not feel even an ounce of Ian’s love for you?”
He paused before continuing, “Let me rephrase that, have you noticed that Ian’s behavior toward you has changed drastically since you guys got married?”
Sage paused for a moment when she heard that. After all, she couldn’t say that she hadn’t noticed any changes in Ian’s behavior.
Ian had shielded her from a car window shattering. He had also taken the initiative to teach her how to drive. He had appeared in the nick of time when Shane tried to kidnap her. He put up with her tantrums.
He had even proposed to sleep in the same bedroom for a while to try and get along like other married couples. These were things Ian would never have done in the past.
“I can tell that Ian cares about you, Sage,” Donald continued. “That morning, he said he had a meeting. But it was clear to everyone that he went out of his way to see you because you hadn’t returned home the night before. He gave me that antique inkwell and ink because he wanted to make you happy, and he wanted you to know that he cares about your family.”
Sage would’ve been overjoyed if he had done these things in the past. But now, she only felt a little sad. He didn’t cherish her when she loved him with all her heart. However, he was. reluctant to let her go when she gave up and wanted a divorce..
“Grandpa, that level of care isn’t enough to hold our marriage together,” Sage insisted.
Donald let out a soft sigh. “Sage, I’m not here to persuade you to stay with Ian. I know that once you’ve made up your mind, you never change it. Do you remember when you were young? You had a grey rabbit plush toy that you cuddled every day until it wore out. I bought. you lots of new, beautiful plushies, but you refused to give it up.
“You insisted on having it patched up and only reluctantly threw it away when it was beyond repair. However, you’ve never held on to another plush toy since then. So… although I knew deep down that you and Ian weren’t a good match, I agreed to let you marry him because I knew there’s no going back once you’ve set your heart on him.
“I just want you to be honest with yourself, Sage. You need to think about whether you want to give yourself another chance.”
1/2
+10 BONUS
Her grandfather’s words echoed in her mind as she settled into the car. It was true that she tended to be stubborn and opinionated. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have clung to lan previously. But she realized nothing else mattered as much as her life after experiencing death once. However, she couldn’t tell her grandfather these things. She only promised him that she would think about it.
Linda’s birthday was just around the corner. Ian had promised that he would agree to the divorce if her feelings remained unchanged. Linda, too, agreed not to stop them after that. After giving it some thought, she decided to wait until after Linda’s birthday.
Tiana called to ask about the progress of her divorce just as she was leaning against the window, lost in thought.
