A Farewell After Being Reborn

Sage looked up and noticed Leo approaching them. Sage was aware that Leo wasn't fond of her, so she pushed lan away, straightened up, and

greeted him politely, "Good afternoon, Father.”

Leo didn't acknowledge her and scowled at lan. "lan, there are so many elders here. This is not the time or place for this."

"Leo, this is just how young couples are. It's no big deal!" lan's aunt spoke up before lan could respond.

"Even so, that is so unruly of you! What happened to all those etiquette lessons you had?" Leo chided.

lan frowned. "There's no rule of etiquette that says you can't hug your wife."

"lan Holcomb!" Leo's face flushed with anger.

"Oh, come on, Leo. It's supposed to be a joyous occasion. There's no need to get all worked up. Let's just talk this out calmly.” She then smacked her

head and said, "The maid brewed me some coffee. I'll go check if it's ready!"

Sage also planned to excuse herself after lan's aunt left. But before she could, a gentle voice came from behind. "Mr. Leo Holcomb." This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Sage turned around to see Ivy. The woman was dressed in a ladylike skirt and was all dolled up. It appeared as if the recent allergic reaction hadn't

affected her much as she still wore a gentle smile on her face.

"Good afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Holcomb," she greeted lan and Sage.

lan nodded at Ivy. Sage discreetly clenched her fists as she thought about what had happened in Colville. She wished she could just strangle Ivy righ

then and there!

"Ivy, why are you addressing lan so formally?" Leo's forehead creased when he heard that. "Aren't you and lan close?"

"Even if we're close, I need to be mindful. Mr. Holcomb is married. I can't risk upsetting Mrs. Holcomb," Ivy responded gently.

"Would you seriously get upset over something like this? Are you honestly that narrow-minded?" Leo looked at Sage reproachfully.

"This has nothing to do with Sage." Sage was about to speak up, but lan beat her to it. "It was my idea.”

Leo still seemed displeased. "How

could yotrdistance yourself froma

your cKildhood friend for a wornan?

Arent you worried about hurting

yaur Uncle Ron's feelings2.

belongs to =

lan responded apathetically, "It's just a title. It hardly counts as distancing.”

"That's right; Mr. Leo Holcomb. Dont

blame lay: Our friendship isn't going

anywhere," Ivy chimed in. It was”

obvious that Ivy was deliberately

pushing Sage's buttons infront of

fo.

Sage sneered, "Mr. Leo Holcomb, I

don't care wig@at Ms. Shekdotter calls

lan. You prébably didn't know this, «_

. rd

but lan ot I are getting a divorce"

soon, se you don't have to defend

her. Vio knows? Ms. Shekdotter

might become your new =

daughter-in-law soon, andwyou'll get

Son ii 5

your wish."

Sage didn't have to pretend anymore since she was getting divorced soon anyway. "Narrow-minded? I'll show you how narrow-minded I can be!" she

cursed inwardly.

"Excuse me. I'll go check on Grandma. Don't let me keep you guys from catching up.” Sage then walked into the manor without sparing Leo another

glance.

"What's up with her attitude?" Leo fumed. "What did I do? How could she disrespect me like this?"

"I'll go check on her," lan said.

He was about to go after Sage when Leo stopped him. "What's this about a divorce?"

lan looked at his father and said calmly, "We had a bit of a disagreement. She was just saying that because she's angry."

"I doubt it. She didn't even show me basic respect!"

"Father," lan said respectfully, "you can't expect people to respect you if you don't respect them first.”

Leo's expression hardened. "Are you implying that I didn't respect her? She's my daughter-in-law! Why can't I reprimand her?"