Chapter 170
Was he out of his mind? He used to be so uninterested in her. He wouldn’t even spare her a glance when she walked around him in lingerie. Why was he holding onto her waist and giving her that look now?
Sage was so angry that she tried to shake his hand off. However, Ian seemed to have caught on and pulled her closer to him.
“What the hell are you doing?” she fumed.
His expression was unreadable. “Why did you call me? I missed it because I was in a meeting.”
“Don’t worry. I accidentally dialed your number.”
“Were you upset that I left early at the company party last time?” he asked. There were only inches between the couple.
Sage pried his hand away. “Let go of me!”
Ian didn’t budge. “Answer me.”
Her expression hardened when she noticed that he didn’t seem willing to let go of her. “No. Could you please let me go now?”
Her tone was cold, and her eyes narrowed. It contrasted strongly with the smile on her face when she first walked into the room.
Ian was annoyed. He released Sage and said coldly, “Do you seriously want me to believe you’re not upset? It’s clear as day that you are.”
“Why does it matter to you?” Sage sneered. “This is ridiculous, Ian. It’s been ages. Why are you only bringing this up now?”
“It doesn’t matter how much time has passed. You should still explain yourself.” Calvin’s advice echoed in his mind.
Ian pursed his thin lips and said lowly, “It was just too chaotic that night. I was caught up in a whirlwind of things and didn’t have time to tend to you. It was my fault.
“Grandma told me you’ve always wanted to go to the hot springs at Greenfield. My company’s team–building event will be held there this Saturday. You’re welcome to come along.”
This was the first time Ian had ever explained himself to her. His tone and demeanor both sounded sincere. It seemed like he wanted to make it up to her by bringing her to the hot springs.
Sage might’ve been touched if he had said this the day after the incident. But now, it felt pointless.
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This reminded her of a dress she wanted when she was eight but couldn’t afford at the time. However, when she was twenty–eight and could get her hands on countless dresses, she didn’t feel joy anymore. In short, it was too late for him to attempt to make it up to her.
“I’ll pass,” she declined softly. “I have other plans on Saturday.”
“What other plans do you have?” Ian assumed she was just lying through her teeth.
“I’m meeting up with Tiana,” she responded.
“Well, you can always invite her to come along,” he suggested.
“She’s not into hot springs.”
Ian pursed his lips when he noticed her indifference. In the end, he headed upstairs without saying another word.
Sage could still feel the warmth of his hand on her waist. Hence, she brushed her clothes off in disgust and went into the kitchen to find Wanda. She forgot all about the incident after slurping down a bowl of chicken soup and gnawing on a couple of drumsticks.
“I’m full, Wanda. You don’t have to call me for dinner later.”
“Mrs. Holcomb, why don’t you want to eat with Mr. Holcomb?” Wanda inquired, puzzled.
She noticed that Ian had changed a lot recently. He had moved back to the master bedroom. Last night, when he noticed that Sage wasn’t home yet, he asked her to call Sage and even went to pick her up himself. He also carried her upstairs.
Because of this, Wanda wondered why Sage seemed to be drifting further from him. Now, she didn’t even want to have dinner with him.
Sage couldn’t be bothered to explain herself to Wanda. “I have other things to attend to.” Then, she went upstairs.
