Phoenix's Deceptress Wife

PROLOGUE

POSTED: NOVEMBER 2021
REPOSTED: OCTOBER 2024

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Content Warning:
This story contains mature themes and language not suitable for younger readers, including profanity, sexual content, explicit language, substance use, alcohol, and more.

Disclaimer:
This is a work of fiction. Any names, places, events, or resemblances to actual events or people are purely coincidental and unintentional.

Note: English is not my first language. This story was originally written in Filipino and translated into English using AI. I appreciate your understanding and patience.

For the Filipino Version:
https://www.wattpad.com/story/288540296-brother%27s-code-denial-1-phoenix%27s-deceptress-wife
Or, check my profile for additional accounts with the same username.

-RED

******

Phoenix kicked Hailey's doll, sending its head flying off. Hailey looked at him, her eyes welling with tears. She loved that doll.

"What? You gonna fight me?" Phoenix taunted, anger lacing his words. Hailey shook her head, and he smirked.

"You're just going to go running to Grandpa again!" he sneered.

"I'm not going to tell," she said softly, bending down to pick up the doll's head. But before she could grab it, Phoenix kicked again, this time striking her hand.

"Ow." She winced, clutching her hand in pain.

"She's gonna cry now! Poor little orphan, no one to stick up for her," he mocked, the cruel words landing like blows.

Tears streamed down Hailey's face as Phoenix danced around her, chanting, "Orphan! Adopted! She's gonna cry!" She felt a wave of sorrow crash over her, but she didn't retaliate. She never did.

"Phoenix!" A deep, booming voice rang out, freezing them both in place. Hailey quickly wiped her tears while Phoenix stood rooted to the spot. Anyone who heard that voice knew what it meant—Grandpa was mad.

"Are you picking on Hailey again?" Don Alejandro's voice echoed across the garden.

"N-no, Grandpa, we were just playing," Phoenix stammered, scrambling to defend himself.

"It's true, Grandpa. Phoenix and I were just playing," Hailey added, her voice small.

"Don't cover for him, Hailey. I know what he's like." Hailey lowered her gaze, choosing silence. "And you, young man, inside. We need to talk."

"Tch, she's no fun. Always crying, such a drama queen," Phoenix muttered under his breath as he trudged toward the mansion.

"Grandpa, please don't be too hard on Phoenix," Hailey pleaded. Don Alejandro sighed, gently patting her head.

"You're just like your mother—so kind. But don't worry. At the start of the school year, Phoenix will be leaving. I'm sending him abroad to finish school, and he'll stay there until college. He'll only come home for vacations."

"What? But—"

"Phoenix being here won't do you any good, Hailey. He'll just keep bullying you because he's jealous—though he has no reason to be."

"Grandpa, won't I ever see Phoenix again?"

"You will. We'll visit him in America from time to time, and he'll come home for vacations. Now, don't worry. I just need to have a word with that boy."

As her grandfather walked away, an unexpected sadness settled over Hailey. Phoenix was leaving. She wouldn't see him anymore—her first friend who had become her first enemy. And, more than anything, her first crush.