Chapter 112

“Hello? Ms. Joyner, are you in there?” Just then, Michael’s voice came from outside. Sage walked out

of the restroom and smiled at him.

He awkwardly explained, “You’ve been in there for a while. I was worried you. couldn’t find your way

back, so I came over to check on you.”

“I just got caught up on a call, that’s all. Let’s go,” she responded casually.

Sage didn’t run into Henry and Layla on their way back to the barbecue area as they were in different

locations.

Kai and the gang were working the grill when they got back. Some of them munched on snacks and

sipped on beer, and someone was also strumming a guitar. The atmosphere was laid–back and chill.

“Would you like a beer, Ms. Joyner?” Michael asked.

Sage shook her head. “No thanks. I still have to drive.”

Besides, she had already drunk too much last night, so she needed to take it easy

today.

Nodding his head, he passed her a juice box. He also took one for himself, and they settled down on

the field.

“It must be nice to be young. After all, you can pursue your dreams without a care in the world,” she

remarked.

Michael looked at her earnestly. “Ms. Joyner, you’re also young. You can pursue your dreams, too.”

Sage chuckled. What was her dream? When she was young, she wanted to be a perfumer like her

mother. Then, she became interested in drums and aspired to become a drummer. In college, she

chose finance and set her sights on becoming the best investor in the country.

But she hadn’t realized any of her dreams. Instead, she chose to chase after lan and became the wife

he hated so much that she ended up in the psychiatric hospital.

Her momentary lapse of attention worried Michael. “I came across some news about you, Ms. Joyner. If

you’re feeling down, there’s no need to pretend to be okay. I asked you to join us so that you could

unwind.”

Sage turned to look at him. His eyes were bright, and his voice was earnest as he comforted her. The

sunlight shone through the trees, bathing everyone in its

warmth.

Sage raised her hand to shield her eyes and flashed a smile. “Thank you, Michael.

I’m not pretending to be okay. On the contrary, I’m feeling pretty good.”

Kai snapped a photo on his phone. “Woah, this photo is amazing! Check it out, Ms. Joyner.”

Sage leaned over to look at the picture he had just taken. Her expression softened ass

she shielded her eyes with her hand. She looked like an angel bathed in sunlight.

“Nice shot! I had no idea you were so skilled. So you’re not only an expert in music and computers but

also a great photographer,” she complimented.

“You know it!” Kai raised his head smugly.

Sage spent the rest of the afternoon eating and chatting with Michael and his friends.

In the evening, she took everyone to the most luxurious seafood restaurant in town and treated them to

a feast. Sage had a few drinks with them in the lively. atmosphere. She took a moment to post on

Instagram to commemorate the joyous day.

“I realized how wonderful life was when I practiced self–love.” She posted the photo Kai took alongside

another shot of a table full of seafood and wine.

The group left the seafood restaurant after eating and drinking their fill.

“Ms. Joyner, why don’t you have Michael give you a ride home? He’s got his driver’s license,” Kai

suggested.

Sage was about to say she could hail a cab when she heard a woman beside her exclaim, “Oh my god!

That guy is so handsome!”

18 BONDS

Turning around to look noslly, her jaw fell open as she realized who it was,