She used to follow him everywhere like a shadow. But now, she didn't even want to go home with him.
That, without a doubt, meant something was wrong.
"Grandpa, I just want to spend more time with you," Hailey replied calmly, her expression composed.
Of course, General Hai wouldn't allow her to stay. "You've spent the whole day with me already. I'm more than happy. Go home with Yu now, and come visit me again another day."
"…Alright. Grandpa, take care of yourself. I'll come back soon."
Hailey had no choice but to give in.
She couldn't insist—if she did, it would only make him worry more.
And besides, she couldn't avoid home forever. As long as they were still married, she had no choice but to live under the same roof as Ethan.
General Hai nodded and turned to Ethan. "Yu, Hailey's still young. If she's immature at times, please try to be more patient with her."
Ethan had always respected the old man. Back when he trained with the army, General Hai had looked out for him, given him guidance and support.
That was the only reason he tolerated Hailey at all—because of the old man.
Now that the general was personally asking him, how could he refuse?
Still, he was sure Hailey must've complained to the old man behind his back.
Even so, Ethan kept his expression neutral. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I understand."
"Good. I believe in you." General Hai smiled kindly. "You're both good kids. I trust you'll figure things out. I won't say any more. Just head home early, alright? Hailey, remember to be more understanding and fulfill your duties as a wife."
Hailey forced a smile and nodded. "I understand, Grandpa."
Understand? Not in a million years. All she wanted was to divorce Ethan Yu.
…
After saying goodbye to her grandfather, Hailey followed Ethan out of the house and into his car.
The moment they pulled out of the gate, Ethan's cold voice cut through the silence like a blade.
"Hailey Tang, is there ever a day you don't pull some kind of stunt?"
"…"
She glanced at his sharp profile and immediately understood what he was getting at.
"You think I went to Grandpa and complained about you?"
He gave her a cold, sideways glance, lips curled into a mocking smile. "You know damn well what you said—or didn't say."
Why else would the old man specifically invite him over for dinner and ask him to be nicer to her?
This was exactly what he hated about her the most—like a piece of clingy tape, always scheming, always plotting to control him.
No, what he truly hated was that he loathed her, and yet… had to keep putting up with her.
Her very existence was an insult to his pride.
Hailey could feel his deep disgust, but she no longer cared. She was used to it.
"Think what you want," she said coldly. "Either way, I will divorce you. Sooner or later."
With that, she turned to look out the window, clearly done with the conversation.
Ethan scoffed. That line should've come from him.
He was the one who would divorce her sooner or later.
Neither of them spoke another word. The tension in the car was so thick, it followed them all the way home.
As soon as the car stopped, Hailey got out without a backward glance, walked into the villa, up the stairs, and straight into her bedroom.
Earlier that day, she'd asked the housekeeper to prepare a separate room for her.
She wasn't going to share a room with Ethan anymore.
Not that he wanted to either—she was doing him a favor.
Ethan, meanwhile, went about his usual routine. Shower first, then off to the study to work.
But when he entered the master bedroom… something was off.