Tao Yi checked his watch, then glanced down the street.
His gaze sharpened as if he'd spotted something, and the corner of his mouth curled up in a grin. "Wait here for two minutes."
"Huh?" Hailey blinked.
But Tao Yi didn't explain. He turned and dashed toward a flower shop not far away.
Moments later, he came back holding a massive bouquet of fresh red roses.
Hailey froze, stunned.
"For you," he said with a smile, holding the bouquet out to her.
She stared at the flowers, genuinely caught off guard. "Why… are you giving me flowers?"
He cleared his throat and answered seriously, "First, to thank you for taking care of my grandpa. Second, you were just scared half to death—I figured some flowers might help lift your mood."
Hailey couldn't help but smile. "That actually makes sense. Thanks, Tao Yi."
She took the bouquet, bringing it closer to inhale the scent. "These are beautiful. This is… actually the first time anyone's ever given me roses."
Ethan Yu had never given her flowers. Not even once.
She didn't say it with any resentment—just matter-of-factly. But to Tao Yi, her words held another meaning.
Wait… no one's ever given her flowers? Does that mean she's never had a boyfriend?
He smiled faintly, eyes softening. There was something incredibly pure and sincere about her—something rare.
His grandpa definitely had good taste.
Right then and there, Tao Yi made a silent decision: She's the one. Hailey Tang will be my wife.
Of course, he wasn't about to blurt that out tonight. He still had a mission to finish. Once it was done… he'd make his move.
"Come on," he said, "I'll walk you to catch a cab."
"That's really not necessary. I can find one myself—"
He didn't wait for permission. Taking her wrist gently but firmly, he started walking. "I won't be at ease unless I see you safely in a car."
Hailey laughed, warmth blooming in her chest.
Tao Yi really did feel like an older brother—but a thoughtful, gentle one. The kind you could rely on without feeling suffocated.
After flagging down a taxi, he opened the door for her like a gentleman and watched her climb in.
"Don't stay out this late again, alright?" he said seriously. "New York's not exactly the safest city."
Hailey nodded. "I know. I won't."
"And shoot me a text when you get back to the hotel, just so I know you made it."
"Got it. You take care too. Next time dinner's on me."
He grinned. "Looking forward to it."
She waved as the cab pulled away, and Tao Yi raised a hand in return, watching until her car disappeared around the corner.
Hailey leaned back in her seat, hugging the bouquet to her chest. The scent of roses filled the car, soft and comforting. It had been a long, chaotic evening—but somehow, she didn't feel tired anymore.
When she finally arrived at the hotel, it was already past nine.
She walked down the hallway to her room, heels clicking softly on the carpet. As she reached her door, she swiped the card and stepped inside—
Only to feel someone right behind her.
Startled, she spun around—her eyes meeting Ethan Yu's cold, penetrating gaze.
He had followed her in.
Hailey's expression didn't shift. She held the bouquet tighter and said evenly, "Do you need something?"
Ethan's eyes flicked to the roses in her arms, then narrowed as he caught the faint trace of alcohol on her clothes.
"Where were you?" he asked, voice low and hard.
"I just went out for a walk," she replied casually. "Is that a problem?"
Her indifferent tone made something snap in him.
Earlier that day she'd brushed him off like he didn't matter, and now she was strolling in late at night, smelling of whiskey and carrying roses?
His eyes darkened, voice turning sharp. "This isn't C City, Hailey. You're in New York. Do you have any idea how dangerous it is for a woman to be out alone this late?"
Was he… worried?
Hailey didn't bother arguing with his tone. "I'm aware. Thanks for the reminder."
Ethan stepped closer, towering over her. "Where exactly did you go?"
"That's none of your business," she said, brushing past him toward the bed. "I'm tired. I'd like to rest. Can you leave now?"
He didn't move.
"I asked where you went."
"I just walked around."
"With who?"
Hailey's patience was thinning. She turned to face him, brow furrowed. "Ethan, you're being ridiculous. I don't owe you an explanation."
"You were with another man." His voice was low and cold. Not a question—an accusation.
Hailey lifted her chin. "So what if I was?"
That did it.
In a flash, he grabbed her wrist and yanked her toward him. The roses tumbled to the floor.
"Let go of me!" she gasped.
But he didn't.
"You think this is a joke?" he growled, eyes burning. "Wandering around at night, drinking with strangers, letting some guy give you flowers like some teenage girl—what the hell were you thinking?"
Her eyes blazed. "Why do you care? Since when do you get to dictate who I see or what I do?"
"I don't care," he snapped. "But you're not some clueless girl who can just run around like nothing can touch her."
Hailey's voice trembled—but not with fear. With fury.
"And you're not my father, or my boyfriend. You have no right to barge in here and interrogate me like this."
Ethan's grip loosened just slightly, but he didn't let go.
"You want to know why I came back late?" she shot back. "I was almost assaulted. That's why. If Tao Yi hadn't shown up, I don't know what would've happened."
His eyes widened slightly, but he said nothing.
"Still think it's a game?"
The silence between them stretched, heavy and suffocating.
Hailey pulled her arm free and took a step back. "If you came here to scold me, you've done it. Congratulations. Now get out."
But Ethan didn't leave.
His voice was quieter now, almost reluctant. "I saw the roses and thought you were on a date."
She laughed bitterly. "I wasn't. And even if I had been, that still wouldn't be your business."
"You matter to me," he said suddenly.
The words hung in the air like thunder.
Hailey froze.
He took a step closer, tension in his jaw. "You piss me off. Constantly. But I still care."
Her breath hitched. "Then why are you always acting like you don't?"
He didn't answer.
For a long second, they just stared at each other—both furious, both confused, both drowning in everything they hadn't said.
Then Ethan turned and walked out, the door clicking shut behind him.
Hailey stood there, heart pounding, her roses scattered across the floor like casualties of war.
She didn't move for a long time.