Chapter 2 Rose- In a high - end luxury penthouse , Rose was reading Sage a bedtime story . As she did , the young girl looked around the room , widened in wonder . Rose was pleased. After all , she had prepared the room for Sage . her eyes The bed was big and fluffy , with light curtains hanging from the window . On the walls were posters of Sage's favorite girl band . Her favorite books were stacked neatly on the table beside the bed . Rose had gone all out like it was for someone she deeply cared about . Why ? Because Sage cared . That's what made her so easy to spoil … so easy to win . Rose had watched her quietly over the past few months , noticing how Sage lit up with attention and gifts , and how she softened with kindness . And as Soraya started slipping from Sage's thoughts , Rose didn't have to say much . A small comment here , a quiet smile there … It was enough . Sometimes , love wasn't stolen . It was gently replaced . And Rose knew how to do that , especially with a child who still believed the world was kind . The end , her Aunt Rose said after closing the book " Aunt Rose , your house looks very new and expensive too . " Sage said . " Your dad bought it for me . That's how much he cares about me ," Rose replied . " Why doesn't Daddy care for Mommy ? " Sage asked . " If only he would care for her and show up at home to celebrate my birthday . " Rose shrugged and said , " To care for someone , you can't force it " She did not know if Sage would understand , but she hoped the little girl would . After all , Calum never cared for Soraya . They were married , but there was never a real relationship between them . At best , Soraya was a mere surrogate . " Bu Mommy loves me , age said , looking conflicted . " Oli . my poor baby Rose offered an embrace . She hugged Sage . " I know your mom loves you . But sometimes love isn't enough to keep ✓ family together . " " Are you sure about tomorrow ? Aunt Rose and your daddy can always step away for your Mommy, " Rose suggested Sage shook her head . She said , " No , I want to be with you and Daddy on my birthday ' A triumphant smule spread across Rose's face . She had been patient , but she knew it wouldn't be long now Surely , with everything going uh . Suraya would break After putting bage to sleep . Rose smiled . She walked back to the study where Calum had been working on his laptop " Good " Calum simply said , his fingers still working on the keyboard . " I dur ) to do have sutally won het over Rose clauned , walking toward hun and sung on his lap " You didn't think it be able tù ilo it , did Cahim stopped whatever he was doing and wrapped his arms arousal Rose : Immun . You dad well " Rose Kost kissed Calum and in the next few minutes , the sensual moam filled that ioanerier autory ilun loving the weahhorst man in th diły wrapped around her bagri . 13/0 353 pup p Chapter 2 Soraya - The next day . It was supposed to be a day of celebration , but at home , there was no knock , no ring , and no laughter in the dining hall . There was simply silence and food that had gone cold . Soraya checked the time . It was seven in the evening . The candles were ready , and her gifts were stacked neatly . But still , Sage and Calum had not returned . Where were they ? " " Where had they slept overnight ? " Did Sage even think about me ? " Is this my fault ? ' ' Am I not enough ? " Soraya had so many questions . She looked pitiful while sitting before the chocolate cake she had made for her princess . Again , she tried to call Calum , but just as before , he did not answer . Tears welled in her eyes as she scoffed bitterly . Turning to the maid , she asked , " Belinda , am I a bad mother ? " " No , Mrs. Montclair , You have always loved Sage . Please don't blame her . Sage is still young . " Belinda said , teary - eyed in her presence . " I need to … get some fresh air , Soraya said , her beautiful face completely worn out She drove around town for almost an hour . Then , she pulled over at Butter & Crumb , one of Sage's favorite cafes . The store had the best ice cream . Soraya remembered many afternoons spent with her daughter in this café . She felt like she needed to be a kid again and eat a gallon of the best ice cream in town . The Butter & Crumb cafe was a huge establishment . Aside from the main cafe , it had an outdoor area designated for special events Soraya had paid for her ice cream when she overheard the joyous singing in ng in the garden area . It was someone's birthday . " Happy Birthday to you ! " Happy Birthday to your " Happy Birthday , happy birthday , happy birthday , dear Sage . Happy birthday to you ! " Immediately . Soraya & heart stopped . Her feet dragged her to the outdoor area of the cafe . What she saw made her face pale , her dignity waslund away Hallows floated tarily in the breeze . Laughter danced like music across the garden And in the center of it all was Sage , in someone else's arms was a beautiful scene Rose was carrying Sage while Calum clapped his hands . The crowd cheered as the tnu blew out the giana fondant birthday cake like fondant cake but she looked happy wealthy friends , and two of his cousins Calum's cousin , asked Sage are you happy lo celelitate your burliday with Roser ( 1 I her being with Aun Hose and pretty shar aid wrapping her ama around Rose with a beaming smule " Even my danmates a sally nice and weans nur jewelry ! " ate happy for you . Sape ? " We are happy for all of you ! " 153 PM P Chapter 2 From where Soraya stood , she overheard everything . Soraya , yet again , questioned her life choices and the sacrifices she had made for her family . Was it worth it ? " Right now , it did not feel like it What further added to Soraya's resentment was how Rose was warmly welcomed by Calum's friends . Never had Calum brought Soraya to any of his friends ' gatherings . However , it was so much easier to flaunt Rose in front of them . As for Calum's ' s parents , Soraya knew they never approved of Rose . After all , she was a mistress . Soraya could not accept it The gallon of ice cream fell on the floor . She froze , feeling like she wanted to die . She wanted to cry and walk in and scream ! But something far worse inside her shattered . Something deep and profound , something that could never fully mend . Her eyes narrowed , and her heart turned cold . Soraya knew now what she must do She turned on her heel , seething . Just as she exited the cafe , she bumped into a tall , overbearing man on the street . " What are you doing here ? Don't cause any trouble . It's Sage's birthday ! " he warned . This man was Jacob Steel , one of Calum's friends , a high - profile businessman in Belridge , the neighboring town . Like Calum , Jacob had that icy charisma and the unmistakable air of Hearing Jacob's remark , Soraya retorted , " Cause trouble ? Me ? Why would you think that , Mr. Steel ? " " Do you think I'm the evil one here ? Do you really think I wanted this ?! " Soraya snapped . She couldn't help it . All of Calum's friends had . judged her the moment she got pregnant with Sage . " I'm still twenty - six . I got married at nineteen and threw away my life and career for Calum and Sage ! " " You all judged me , but you never really tried finding out the truth ! " Soraya's face burned with anger . " Fine , let me be the bad person ! It doesn't matter I don't care anymore ! " She turned her back on Jacob and marched toward her car . Just like that , she left . Soraya returned home and packed up her things . Then , she called her Uncle Philip . Soraya Soraya ! What What's wrong ? You sound sick her uncle said. " Please don't tell me it's Calum nche ? Can I stay with you ? I want to divorce Calum Soraya said . " I'm tired . I don't want to do this anymore . de's family had long moved to Belridge . Only Soraya remained in Cedar Heights to stay with Calum and Sage . She needed to be somewhere she felt she belonged . " And Suraya , what about Sage ? " her unde asked buraya thought about it and said . " bage she - die doesn't need me anymore "