Chapter 3

Sage's POV

I never imagined that in Holt's heart, my saving him three years ago was a calculated investment.

"That watch... you had a high fever and got sick. I sold it to pay your hospital bill."

My voice trembled.

"The buyer said it was a fake watch and only gave me two hundred dollars. That day, I donated four hundred milliliters of blood to scrape together your medical expenses."

In the darkness, Holt's movements suddenly stopped.

But his voice quickly grew even colder.

"Enough. Stop bringing up those old things to emphasize your contributions. These three years, the material compensation I've given you could buy you a hundred of those dumps."

Old things.

Those three years of struggling through life and death together, in his eyes, had become dismissible old things.

He had no foreplay, possessing me almost like a punishment.

I bit down hard on the pillow, not letting out a single whimper.

I stared at the ceiling with open eyes.

In this sexual encounter, there was only release, no love.

After it was over, Holt got up and went to the bathroom.

The sound of running water started.

I lay on the bed, my whole body aching.

On the nightstand, Holt's phone suddenly lit up.

It was a message.

The screen wasn't locked, and the message popped up directly.

Melanie: "Holt, I've already had people release tonight's media statement. Your mother loves the buzz about our engagement. Get some rest early."

Immediately following was a design sketch.

It was a draft of custom wedding rings from a top-tier brand.

I stared at the glaring word "engagement," my stomach churning, and suddenly leaned over the edge of the bed retching.

Holt walked out from the bathroom wrapped in a towel, frowning at me.

"What now?"

His tone carried undisguised impatience.

"If you're not feeling well, go find the housekeeper to get you medicine. Don't play pitiful in front of me."

I raised my head.

I pointed at the lit phone screen.

"You're getting engaged?"

Holt followed my finger, his expression darkening imperceptibly.

But he quickly regained his cold demeanor.

He walked over to pick up his phone, saying flatly.

"Just a business marriage. It's just a publicity stunt for the two families' cooperation, to reassure shareholders. You don't understand these things, so don't ask."

"I don't understand?"

I laughed.

"Holt Thornton, I don't understand. I don't understand why, if you're marrying her, you still keep me locked in this cage. Why did you watch her humiliate me tonight?"

"Sage!"

Holt's eyes turned completely cold.

"Don't forget your position. I let you live in this villa, gave you a life of luxury. You should know your place. Don't compare yourself to Melanie. You can't compare."

You can't compare.

Yes, what could I compare with?

She was a wealthy heiress; I was just a poor woman struggling in the mud at the bottom.

"Fine."

I suddenly calmed down, looking into Holt's eyes.

"I understand."

I stopped arguing, stopped making a fuss.

He didn't say anything more, turning to go to the adjacent guest bedroom.

The next morning, Holt left early for the office.

I'd just started toward the kitchen to pour some water when I heard the butler respectfully open the door.

"Madam, you're here."

Holt's mother Mrs Thornton walked in wearing haute couture, escorted by two bodyguards.

Seeing me in my thin nightgown, her eyes filled with extreme disgust.

She walked straight to the sofa and sat down, coldly surveying me.

"Sit. I'm here today to inform you."

Mrs Thornton threw a document on the coffee table.

I didn't sit, only stared at the document.

"Tomorrow, Holt will officially announce his engagement to the Davis family's daughter. I don't want a stain like you existing in the Thornton family's territory."

Her tone was condescending, like dismissing a beggar.

If it were before, I would have firmly told her: I'm with him not for money, and unless he personally tells me to leave, I won't go.

But now, I just stood there quietly.

Mrs Thornton sneered.

"Don't expect Holt to protect you either. You really think he still cares about you? He just doesn't want to dirty his hands getting rid of you. Take a look at this agreement."