Hailey had only meant to help unpack a few things when she opened one of the boxes—and froze.
Inside was a neatly folded scarf she thought she'd lost, her favorite lipstick, a worn paperback novel she used to read before bed, and even the mug she always used in the mornings.
Everything was here.
Every single trace of her life in that house with Ethan Yu had been packed away and shipped to her like it meant nothing.
Like she meant nothing.
It was as if he couldn't wait to erase her from his world—down to the very last hairpin.
Mrs. Zhang let out a long sigh as she folded some clothes and placed them in the wardrobe. "Miss Hailey, I really don't understand the young master. How can he be so heartless? He even sent back your toothbrush."
Hailey stared blankly at the box, her lips parted slightly but no words came out.
Even… the toothbrush?
Mrs. Zhang clicked her tongue and shook her head. "But you know what, Miss? Maybe it's for the best. You used to love him so deeply, and he… well, he was never warm to you. Cold as ice, that man. This divorce might be the best thing that ever happened to you. One day, you'll find someone who treasures you the way you deserve."
Hailey gave a soft chuckle, though her heart still throbbed with a dull ache.
Mrs. Zhang had been like a second mother to her—perhaps the only person who truly knew how much she had once loved Ethan. So deeply, so foolishly. No one else dared to speak to her this way, but from Mrs. Zhang, it didn't hurt—it felt strangely comforting.
"Mrs. Zhang, do you think I was stupid?" Hailey asked lightly.
Mrs. Zhang didn't hesitate. "You were, Miss. You were the most foolish girl I've ever seen. But you loved so purely, so stubbornly, that no one could blame you for it."
Hailey smiled wryly. "It wasn't just foolish. It was pathetic. Hopelessly, ridiculously pathetic."
There was a bitter calm in her voice, a peace that only comes after one has been torn apart and has finally stopped bleeding.
But inside, something still stung.
In her past life, she should've let go long ago. She should've walked away before her love became a cage. Why had she clung so tightly until she'd lost everything?
Still… she had been given a second chance.
This time, she would live differently. If she hadn't been reborn, if she had stayed trapped in that past life—then all that pain would've been for nothing.
Thank God for second chances.
Hailey's head injury hadn't fully healed yet, but it was no longer serious. Still, she wanted to finish her architectural designs as soon as possible—ideally before the divorce was finalized.
After lunch, she drove herself to the orphanage to conduct a site visit.
Jo Ning came along too, her camera slung over her shoulder, full of enthusiasm. The two of them spent the entire afternoon gathering materials, taking notes, snapping photos, and exchanging ideas.
By the end of the day, they were exhausted but buzzing with inspiration.
"We deserve a feast after this!" Jo Ning beamed, practically bouncing in her seat as they headed back to the parking lot.
But just as Hailey was about to suggest a restaurant, her phone rang.
It was He Meilian—Ethan's mother.
"Hailey, I made all your favorite dishes. You must come over for dinner tonight, no excuses!"
Hailey hesitated, her fingers tightening slightly on the steering wheel.
She had wanted to keep some distance… but she couldn't say no to He Meilian. The older woman had always treated her kindly, like family. And besides, she had a good guess why she was being summoned tonight.
The divorce.
They deserved to hear it from her directly.
So she agreed. After saying goodbye to Jo Ning, Hailey drove to the exclusive residential area of Clearwater Bay.
The Yu family's villa stood in the heart of the gated community, nestled among ancient trees and marble fountains. Every inch of the estate screamed wealth and heritage. She had only visited a handful of times before, but she knew the road well.
The long driveway wound through manicured gardens, and even now, the sight of the massive villa brought back a flood of memories.
She slowed the car at the entrance.
A servant was already waiting.
"Madam Yu," the butler greeted respectfully, opening her door. "The master and madam are waiting for you inside."
Hailey gave a polite nod and walked through the doors she had once passed through with her heart full of hope.
Now, her heart was heavy, but her steps were steady.
Inside the grand living room, He Meilian and Ethan's father, Yu Zujie, sat waiting on the elegant cream-colored sofa. The chandelier cast soft golden light over the room, and the table before them was covered in steaming dishes—her favorite dishes.
He Meilian stood up at once and smiled warmly. "Hailey, you're finally here. Come, sit. We've been waiting."
Hailey walked toward them, schooling her expression into calm.
It was time to say goodbye—not just to a marriage, but to the people who had once felt like family.