Back when Hailey insisted on marrying Ethan Yu, her grandfather had strongly opposed it. But she was so determined, so stubborn, that he had no choice but to give in.
So now, seeing her like this… he could only assume she had suffered in that marriage.
And to be fair, nearly all the pain Hailey had endured over the past year had stemmed from Ethan.
She wasn't saying much, but how could he stand by and do nothing? If there was any chance to help patch things up, he would try.
…
That evening, the old general had the servants prepare an especially lavish dinner.
When Hailey saw the full table of delicious dishes, her stomach growled instinctively. "Grandpa, can we eat now? I'm starving!"
Seated at the head of the table, the old man chuckled. "Not yet—someone's still on their way."
"Who?" Hailey asked, puzzled.
As soon as the words left her mouth, a voice called from the entryway:
"Old Master, Young Master Yu has arrived."
Hailey froze.
She turned her head just in time to see Ethan Yu walk in, tall and composed in a bespoke suit, every inch the powerful businessman he had become.
His eyes swept past her with barely a glance.
He walked straight to the old general. "Grandpa, how have you been feeling? I brought some health supplements. I hope you'll like them."
The old man beamed. "I like whatever you bring. Now come sit—dinner's just about to begin."
Ethan took a seat—directly across from Hailey.
It was clear now. Her grandfather had invited him.
Of course he had. He must be trying to create an opportunity for them to reconnect… but that wasn't what Hailey wanted at all.
"What's going on between you two?" the old general asked teasingly. "Hailey, did you upset Ethan? You haven't said a word to him since he walked in!"
Hailey laughed lightly. "Grandpa, I'm just too hungry to talk. You know what they say—'A full belly is the key to everything else.'"
"You cheeky girl!" he laughed heartily. "Still as sharp-tongued as ever. Fine, let's eat. It's rare for the three of us to have a meal together, so make sure you both eat plenty."
"Yes, Grandpa. You eat more too." Hailey smiled sweetly and picked out a variety of dishes for him, earning another round of pleased laughter from the old man.
Dinner was lively on the surface—Hailey chatted with her grandfather nonstop, while the old general engaged Ethan in a few discussions of his own.
It was warm. It was noisy. It was… almost normal.
And yet, there was something off.
Hailey and Ethan hadn't exchanged a single word throughout the entire meal.
After they finished eating, Ethan stood up. "Grandpa, I still have some work to take care of. I'll visit again soon."
"So late, and you're still working?" the old man frowned.
"Yes, there are a few documents I need to handle tonight."
"Well, alright. Come back when you can."
But before Ethan could leave, Hailey suddenly spoke. "Grandpa, I'm staying here tonight. I want to spend more time with you."
She had no intention of going back. Especially not with Ethan under the same roof.
She didn't hate him, not anymore. But that didn't mean she wanted to see him either.
She just couldn't treat him like a stranger—no matter how hard she tried. He was still a part of her past, and her emotions, however dulled, still stirred when he was near.
Not out of love.
But because it still hurt not to feel… nothing.
She didn't want that.
The old general raised an eyebrow. "I knew something was off. Come on, tell me—what's really going on between you two?"
"Nothing!" Hailey said quickly. "Nothing happened!"
"Really?" he looked skeptical. "Then why aren't you going home together? You're husband and wife, aren't you?"
He paused and gave her a knowing look. "Especially when you used to follow him around like a little shadow…"