What tormented Ethan most was this:
For two whole days, Hailey Tang didn't say a single word to him first. She treated him like air — invisible, unworthy of attention.
Whenever he tried to start a conversation, her replies were razor-sharp and cold.
"Why are you talking to me? Here to discuss the divorce?"
"When exactly do you want to divorce?"
"Say whatever you want, but first—divorce."
"If you've got time to waste talking, you'd better come with me to sign the papers."
"Don't like me? Fine. Divorce then!"
Damn it!
Ethan had never encountered a woman with such a sharp tongue.
Did she forget who he was?
Not just her husband—he was Ethan Dong.
In the entire city of C, who dared to ignore him, challenge him, and treat him like a joke?
Did she really think his tolerance was weakness?
As night thickened, Ethan's mood darkened with it.
Like a demon from the depths of hell, he stormed into Hailey's bedroom with a brutal push that slammed the door against the wall.
BANG!
Hailey, leaning against the headboard reading a book, jumped, eyes wide with shock at his fierce aura.
"What—what are you doing?" she stammered.
Ethan advanced toward her, his gaze and expression icy, almost terrifying.
Hailey felt a wave of fear she'd never experienced before.
She grabbed a pillow and threw it at him, shouting, "Don't come closer—!"
Before she could flee, Ethan pounced with lightning speed.
"Ah!" she screamed, pinned tightly beneath him.
Her cry was cut off as his lips crushed hers, fierce and possessive.
Like a wild beast, he bit with savage hunger, denying her even a breath or the chance to resist.
Hailey was stunned—confused, terrified, angry.
She struggled desperately, but his overwhelming strength crushed her efforts.
Slowly, she lost all fight, powerless under his dominance.
Morning came.
Ethan left for the company, his spirit refreshed and unbothered.
Hailey lay tangled in bed—hair messy, clothes disheveled.
Thinking of what Ethan had done the night before filled her with rage.
She wanted to scream, to kill.
No, she wanted nothing more than to divorce him immediately.
But the memory of his terrifying presence left her trembling with doubt.
He was right—there was no stopping him if he chose to retaliate by refusing the divorce.
She felt helpless.
Frustrated.
Did she really have to wait a whole year to end this nightmare?
Tossing and turning, she realized maybe she had no choice but to endure the year.
And to survive, she'd have to find a way to stay far away from Ethan.
Only one plan made sense: study abroad.
That way, she could escape him.
Resolved, she jumped out of bed and headed for the bathroom to wash up.
That's when she caught sight of her reflection—and froze.
Terrifying love bites stained her neck.
Hailey hurriedly pulled open her shirt.
There were countless marks on her chest, too.
Dark, angry bruises clustered in shocking patterns.
"Ethan—"
Her furious roar shattered the silence like a thunderclap.
Even downstairs, Zhang Ma heard it.
At breakfast, Zhang Ma carefully tried to check on her.
"Miss, are you alright? You look exhausted."
Hailey sliced bacon with murderous intensity, flashing a terrifying smile.
"Exhausted? You think this is exhaustion?"
She didn't want to be well-rested. If she were, she might tear Ethan into pieces.
Zhang Ma forced a nervous laugh.
"I worried you were too tired last night… but maybe I worried too much."
The peaceful facade shattered.
The battle lines had been drawn in bruises and silence.
And the next move could change everything.