After a hot shower, Hailey came downstairs and was instantly greeted by the rich, familiar aroma of home-cooked food.
It was Zhang Ma—faithful and warm—who had cooked a feast just for her.
As Hailey tasted the steaming dishes, tears suddenly welled up in her eyes.
"Miss, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Zhang Ma asked in a panic.
Hailey quickly wiped her tears and shook her head with a smile. "No, I'm fine."
"Then why are you crying? Did something upset you?"
Hailey's mother had passed away giving birth to her. From a young age, Zhang Ma had raised her, caring for her like a second mother.
In her last life, after being imprisoned, Hailey never had a single warm, decent meal again.
Now she finally realized—being able to eat a meal cooked by Zhang Ma every day was an incredible blessing.
"No, I just… your cooking is too good. I've missed it," Hailey said with a genuine smile.
Zhang Ma beamed. "Then I'll make it for you every day!"
"Mm."
After dinner, the sky had turned dark. Hailey lay in bed, organizing her thoughts.
Then suddenly, she heard a car engine outside.
Ethan Yu was back.
She was surprised. He rarely came home—she had assumed he wouldn't tonight either.
Tall and composed, Ethan entered the bedroom with his usual cold aura.
He gave her a quick glance, emotionless, and turned away without a word. He was here for clothes.
Hailey stopped him. "Ethan, can we talk?"
He turned. Under the glow of the chandelier, his sharply chiseled features looked even more godlike.
Hailey had once fallen hard for that face. Too handsome. Too untouchable. His natural air of nobility set him apart from any other man in the country.
"What is it?" His voice was cold, his lips curved in mockery. "If it's about the same old thing, I'm not interested."
He thought she would just start begging again—crying about how he didn't love her.
She took a deep breath, her gaze clear. "You will be. I've made up my mind—I want a divorce."
Ethan paused. Shock flashed in his eyes. "What trick are you playing now?"
"I'm not playing. You don't love me, and I've stopped trying. Let's get divorced."
Something in Ethan's eyes darkened.
Hailey Tang, asking for a divorce?
That didn't make sense.
Not to him. Not to anyone who knew her.
Wasn't this the same woman who had loved him obsessively since they were kids?
He sneered. "You're trying something new again. I'll give you that—it's creative."
In the past, she'd used every method imaginable to get his attention. Now she was trying reverse psychology?
Still, he had to admit—this move was the most convincing one yet.
Hailey looked at him without flinching. "I'm serious. I don't want anything. I just want to leave."