Hailey Tang couldn't help but laugh. "Shouldn't I be the one asking you that? Why did you insist I get in your car? Weren't you already on your way out?"
Ethan Yu narrowed his eyes. "Whether I leave or not has nothing to do with you. Get in the car—I have something to say."
Hailey hesitated, but to be honest, she didn't feel like walking anymore. So, she dropped the attitude and got in without another word.
Once seated, she crossed her arms. "Alright, I'm listening. What is it you want to tell me?"
Ethan gave a quick glance at the little dirty puppy curled up in her arms, and his brows twitched with distaste. He had to resist the overwhelming urge to toss the mutt out the window.
He started the car, voice cold. "I heard you're having second thoughts about the divorce."
Hailey blinked. "What? Me, regretting it?"
She was completely thrown off. When had she ever said anything like that?
Ethan let out a cold laugh, one dripping with sarcasm. "If you weren't regretting it, then why are you here? Why would my parents suddenly try to talk me out of the divorce?"
His tone was mocking, his words clearly intended to provoke. But Hailey, who genuinely had no emotional attachment left, missed the subtext entirely.
If even a sliver of affection for him still lingered in her heart, she might've softened, might've tried to explain or apologize. But she didn't feel anything. There was no hesitation, no reluctance.
So naturally, she didn't catch the fact that he was being sarcastic.
"It was your mother who told me to come," she said, frowning. "I didn't want to be here either. And for the record, I've never had second thoughts. What made you think I did? Haven't I been crystal clear from the start? I want a divorce. That's never changed."
Ethan's expression darkened, his eyes glinting with ice. His voice dropped to a chilling tone. "Good. No regrets, then. Once we're divorced, I'll have a dozen women lining up to take your place."
Hailey didn't even flinch. "I'm sure you will. And I sincerely hope you find someone soon. When that day comes, I'll be sure to send a lavish wedding gift."
Ethan scoffed. "Trust me, there'll be plenty of gifts. I won't be lacking yours."
He was, after all, Ethan Yu. Whoever married him would receive a mountain of congratulations—and expensive presents.
Hailey merely smiled. "Fine by me. Saves me some money."
His jaw clenched at her indifferent tone. For a moment, he felt strangely cornered—she didn't argue, didn't get upset. She just agreed. That stung more than he cared to admit.
Trying to reclaim the upper hand, he retorted, "But when you remarry, I'll make sure to send you the biggest gift. Anything you want—name it."
The implication in his words was sharp—You'll never find someone better than me.
Of course. After the divorce, he would lose nothing. He could easily replace her with a younger, more accomplished woman.
Hailey, on the other hand, would have the stigma of being a divorcée. Finding someone better than Ethan Yu? Practically impossible. He was rich, powerful, and came from an elite family. Who could measure up?
So, logically, she should cling to this marriage like a lifeline—even if there was no love left.
Even a loveless marriage had its benefits.
Wealth. Status. Prestige.
But Ethan had always misunderstood her.
From the very beginning, Hailey had fallen for the man, not the title. Not the money. Not the perks that came with being Mrs. Yu.
Those things meant nothing to her.
She had loved him. Only him.
And now that love had completely withered, she didn't even have interest in what came attached to his name.
Her voice was light, but resolute. "You don't need to send me anything. Being able to divorce you without incident is already the best gift I could hope for."
SCREECH—!
The car came to a sudden, violent halt.
"Ah!" Hailey cried out, flinging one arm in front of the little dog—but too late.
The puppy flew from her lap and hit the car floor with a sickening thud.
Hailey, secured by her seatbelt, was fine. But the dog let out a pained whimper that pierced her heart.
She immediately scooped it up, her hands trembling as she checked its small body for injuries. "Are you okay, baby? Oh my God…"
The pup whimpered in agony, its soft eyes blinking up at her, helpless and in pain.
Hailey's head snapped toward Ethan, eyes blazing. "What the hell is wrong with you?!"