Of course she had to share a room with him.
If she didn't, his mother would start asking questions. And right now, the last thing Ethan Yu needed was his parents finding out about the divorce.
Because if they did…
Ethan's eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Go pack your stuff. Now."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and left the room, heading off to one of the guest suites.
Hailey didn't argue. She calmly ordered the housekeeper to move her belongings back into the master bedroom.
Ethan's parents lived in C City as well, though a bit on the outskirts. Hailey had visited them a few times for family dinners, always playing the part of the dutiful daughter-in-law.
His father, Mr. Yu, was the founder of Eastern Corp—charismatic, authoritative, and still as sharp as ever in the boardroom. And his mother, Mrs. He Meilian… well, she was practically a legend.
Once hailed as the most beautiful woman in C City, she was also known for her education, poise, and impeccable manners. The kind of woman who could command a room without raising her voice.
Ethan had inherited the best of both worlds—his father's commanding presence, his mother's elegance. He was, objectively speaking, frustratingly flawless.
And what did Hailey have? A pretty face. A wealthy family. Not much else.
Still, Mrs. He had always treated her kindly. Never once did she make Hailey feel unwelcome. That was something.
So as long as she played her cards right and kept up the act, she could get through this without raising suspicion.
Right on schedule, at just past 11 a.m., the gates opened to reveal a gleaming black Rolls-Royce pulling into the driveway.
Hailey and Ethan stood side by side at the door, waiting.
Mrs. He stepped out of the car like royalty. Even in her late fifties, she looked stunning—graceful, poised, and timelessly elegant. Her posture was perfect, her skin flawless, her fitted beige dress hugging a figure women half her age would envy.
Hailey had to admit: this woman was intimidating, in the most glamorous way possible.
"Mom," Ethan said, his tone polite but noticeably flat.
"Hi, Mom," Hailey echoed, a little more warmly.
Mrs. He looked from one to the other, her perfectly painted lips curving into a smile. "Oh dear, is that the tone my son greets his mother with? You look like someone's just died. Smile for me, won't you?"
Ethan: "…"
She chuckled and waved a manicured hand. "Forget it. You've never been charming. At least Hailey's still sweet." She turned to Hailey and clasped her hands affectionately. "My dear, it's been ages! How have you two been? You never visit unless I drag you back."
"I…" Hailey opened her mouth, but the words got stuck halfway.
Mrs. He gave a small laugh, saving her from the awkward silence. "Never mind, I know. Ethan's always busy, and you're always wrapped up in him. No time to think of us old folks."
"No, Mom, that's not it," Hailey said quickly, flustered. "I—"
"It's fine," Mrs. He cut in, still smiling. "As long as you're taking care of my son, I won't complain. Come on, let's go inside. I'm planning to stay a few days, so we'll have plenty of time to chat."
Hailey's heart skipped a beat. She's staying?
She glanced sideways at Ethan. At the same moment, he looked at her. Neither spoke, but the message was clear in their eyes:
This just got a whole lot more complicated.
The staff had already begun preparing lunch by the time they entered the house.
The three of them headed to the dining room, where the table was already set with bone china and silver cutlery. Dishes were brought out one by one, each more elaborate than the last. Steamed sea bass. Braised abalone. Mushroom soup in porcelain bowls.
Mrs. He took small, delicate bites, clearly enjoying the meal.
About halfway through, Ethan finally spoke. "Mom… you're really planning to stay a few days?"
Mrs. He raised an elegant brow. "Of course."
"Does Dad know?"
Hailey's hand froze midair.
Everyone in the Yu family knew how inseparable Mr. and Mrs. Yu were. They hadn't spent more than a night apart in decades.
Mrs. He sipped her soup like she hadn't a care in the world. "What your father doesn't know won't kill him."
"Did you two argue?" Ethan asked, voice low.
Mrs. He gave him a look. "Don't be silly. Your father and I are perfectly fine. I'm here because you two are the ones I'm worried about."
Hailey's stomach tightened. Here it comes…
"I've noticed some tension lately," Mrs. He continued smoothly. "You don't visit. You barely call. And every time I see you, Ethan, you look like you're carrying the weight of the world."
Ethan said nothing.
Mrs. He turned to Hailey, her tone softening. "Tell me the truth, sweetheart. Has he been treating you well?"
Hailey blinked. This is a trap. Say too little, she'll suspect something. Say too much, and it could all blow up.
She smiled gently. "He's just been really busy with work, that's all."
Mrs. He didn't look convinced. "Busy, huh? Well, I'm not leaving until I see you both smiling like newlyweds again. So you'd better figure it out."
Ethan set down his chopsticks. "That might take a while."
Mrs. He narrowed her eyes ever so slightly. "Then I'll stay as long as it takes."
Hailey nearly choked on her soup.
Fantastic. Just perfect.
To be continued…