Chapter 390: Sage’s ex-girlfriend
"Inform my parents that I’m going out with Sage," Katelyn ordered the maid in her service. She picked up her clutch and walked to the palace’s foyer, where Sage stood outside his car.
He was flabbergasted to see her in the party dress, a black bodycon with a high slit on the left side.
"I hope I didn’t make you wait too long," Katelyn said.
"You didn’t," Sage replied, opening the door for her. Katelyn climbed in and began fastening her seatbelt while Sage entered the car from the other side.
"Whose party is this?" Katelyn asked. "You made the plan at the last moment, didn’t you?"
"It’s one of my close friends. And no, it wasn’t last minute, he invited me last week," Sage answered.
"I see. I wanted to refuse to come, but then I was too happy," Katelyn admitted.
"Because the little prince is born, right?" Sage asked.
"Yes! You should’ve come to see Noah. He’s so tiny and adorable, Sage. I became an aunt. You know, I touched his hands and feet, they were so tiny," Katelyn said, smiling brightly in joy.
Sage who was driving the car out of the palace’s premises smiled to hear her. "It seems you like babies a lot," he said.
"Yes, I do," Katelyn answered with radiant eyes. "I want babies too."
Sage glanced at her for a second before focusing his gaze ahead. "Of course, we will have adorable young buns once we get married," she asserted.
"What?" Katelyn shot back a glance at him.
"You said you wanted babies," Sage replied.
"Yes, but... Just don’t speak," Katelyn told him, shaking her head. "By the way, how do you look? I must look the most beautiful in the party."
"Are you saying you want everyone’s eyes on you?" Sage muttered.
"I’m the Princess!" Katelyn replied. "Of course, every eye should be on me. By the way, I am going to miss Noah. I have to go back to San Ravendale tomorrow. Amelie can’t step out with the baby for a month, so they will be here until then."
"Well, work can’t be compromised," Sage replied.
"That’s true." Katelyn leaned her head back against the seat, crossing her arms across her chest. She said nothing more, simply waiting for the long drive to end.
At last, after an hour on the road, they arrived. The hotel loomed ahead, its façade glowing under cascades of golden lights that shimmered against the night sky. A red carpet had been laid at the entrance, and cars lined the drive.
Sage parked, and as soon as Katelyn stepped out, he was already by her side. Handing the keys to the waiting chauffeur, he reached for her hand.
"Here," Sage said, passing her a gift bag tied with a satin ribbon. "Present this to Miguel. He’s just launched another jewelry brand."
"Shouldn’t you give it yourself?" Katelyn asked, brows knitting in confusion.
"Yes, if I were alone," Sage replied smoothly. "But you’re with me, so you should give it."
Something about his words warmed her unexpectedly, and before she could stop herself, a smile tugged at her lips. She held the bag a little tighter, secretly pleased.
The pair walked through the gleaming lobby and into the grand ballroom, where the party was already in full swing. Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in golden light, and laughter mingled with the music of a live band. Guests moved gracefully across the polished marble floors, their glasses sparkling with champagne.
They hadn’t gone far before a tall man with an easy smile approached.
"Sage!" Miguel Marconi greeted, pulling him into a firm, familiar hug.
"Congratulations on launching another jewelry brand," Sage said warmly as they parted.
"Thanks, man. I’m glad you came." Miguel’s eyes lit up before he noticed the familiar woman at Sage’s side.
"I didn’t come alone," Sage said, turning with a faint smile. "This is my... My girlfriend, Princess Katelyn. And Kate, this is my friend, Miguel Marconi."
Katelyn blinked, surprised at those words.
Miguel’s demeanor shifted immediately. His head dipped respectfully. "Your Highness, thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight."
As Miguel lifted his head, Katelyn said, "Here’s a small gift from Sage."
"And Katelyn," Sage added with a faint smile.
"Thank you," Miguel said, accepting the gift. "Please, enjoy the party. Your favorite drinks are here too, Sage." He gave another polite bow to Katelyn before excusing himself to greet more guests.
The moment he was gone, Katelyn turned to Sage with a frown. "Why did you call me your friend?"
"Then what are you to me?" Sage countered. "I can’t address you as my fiancée already."
A waiter stopped by with a silver tray of drinks. Sage plucked a glass without hesitation, but when Katelyn reached for one, his hand caught her wrist.
"Drink the one with less alcohol," he said, exchanging the glass for a colorful mocktail. "I don’t want you getting drunk and spilling more of your secrets."
Katelyn’s cheeks flamed red. She snatched the glass from him and took a sip, her lips pursed in embarrassment.
Just then, a feminine voice floated toward them.
"Sage, how have you been?" Eleanor asked with curiosity. Her gaze shifted to Katelyn, and she offered a graceful smile along with a slight bow of her head. "Your Highness, you look stunning. I’m Eleanor Kargham, Sage’s ex-girlfriend," she added.
Sage gave a low chuckle, lifting his glass as his jaw tightened.
"Nice to meet you, Eleanor," Katelyn replied politely. "And you don’t have to tell me your relationship with Sage."
Before Eleanor could respond, Katelyn’s eyes caught a familiar face across the room. She took the opportunity and excused herself. "I’ll go ahead. You two should talk." With that, she turned and walked deeper into the crowd, leaving both of them alone.
Sage lowered the champagne glass. "What do you have to say?" he coldly asked while his eyes followed Katelyn in the crowd.
"You moved on really fast. Now, I realized where your eyes were, Sage. Did you tell Princess Katelyn how much passionate we were once?"