A Farewell After Being Reborn

"Huh?" Sage was taken aback as Thomas seemed perfectly well when she and Donald bid him goodbye yesterday. His voice had been full of energy, but he was gone now.

"The doctor said it was terminal lucidity," croaked Donald.

Sage understood that losing a lifelong friend must have been crushing for Donald. She was also disheartened to learn that Thomas, who had spoken highly of her just the day before, was suddenly no longer alive. After consoling Donald, she went up to Linda. "Grandma, I'm sorry but I can't stay the night. My grandfather is grieving the loss of his friend, and I need to be there for him."

Linda replied, "Silly child. There's nothing to apologize for. It's only natural to want to comfort your grandfather in his time of need. I'll have lan send you back.” Then, Linda attempted to make one of the maids get lan.

Sage stopped her. "Grandma, that won't be necessary. Let lan keep on with his work. I'll hail a cab.”

for lan to pay his respects to

the distance to Donald's home, lan's workload, and the presence of Leo, Sage didn't want to inconvenience anyone. She insisted, "Grandma, it's easier

last thing on Sage's mind was romance, Linda did not insist. She instead suggested another method. "Fine. But allow our family driver to take you.

the journey, darkness enveloped the sky as the car ventured into the tranquil suburbs, far from the city's hustle and bustle. Sage, who was getting some shut-eye, was jolted awake at

I'll take a look," the driver announced

someone covered her nose and mouth. Panicking,

but he also grabbed her limbs. The cloth that he pressed against her face might have been sprayed with chemicals. As she breathed the fumes in, her headache worsened, and

open, she found herself lying on the floor with her arms and legs tied up. Her mind raced to piece together the events leading up to her abduction—the car had been rear-ended, and