Phoenix's Deceptress Wife

ELEVEN

Grandpa was buried, and the ceremony took place in the mansion. Mom and Dad went home, leaving other relatives behind. The entire mansion was filled with sympathy, a testament to the love and respect that sent Grandpa to his final resting place. Since the day of his burial, the flow of condolences had been unceasing. Now that the funeral was over, people still lingered.

I sat not far from Hailey, my wife and Grandpa's adopted daughter. She was staring blankly into space, lost in her thoughts. Since we arrived, we hadn't spoken. I didn't want to waste my time engaging with her.

I was with my friends on the veranda where Grandpa often sat. It felt like we had been gathering here more frequently. I might have been an asshole to him at times, but I loved my grandpa—not for his money, but because he had always supported me.

"Phoenix," called Manang Tasing, pulling me from my thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"Can you help me convince Hailey to eat? Since you both got here, she's only been drinking water. If she eats a bite of fruit, she doesn't finish it. I'm worried she'll get sick." I glanced at Hailey, sitting a short distance away.

"Be a human sometimes," Jace said, sipping his tea.

"Phoenix," Manang urged again.

"Fine, Manang." I didn't care if she was hungry or not; that was her problem. But I still followed Manang and approached the aloof woman.

"Hailey, you should eat," said Manang Tasing.

"I'm not hungry." Her eyes were swollen, and though she avoided my gaze, I noticed they were red.

I stepped closer so Manang wouldn't hear us. "Don't be so dramatic. People are worried about you. I don't care if you eat or not, but don't make them worry."

She looked at me, then stood up. "I'm sorry." With that, she bent down to Manang and followed the old woman into the kitchen. Manang smiled at me, and I returned the gesture before heading back to my friends.

"At least you have a little conscience," Blaze smirked.

"What's your plan?" Dane asked, narrowing his eyes at me.

"Plan about what?" I frowned.

"About your marriage. Now that Grandpa is gone, what are your plans?" They were all looking at me expectantly.

"I'll just skip forty days and file for an annulment."

"What about your inheritance?" Jace chimed in. "Won't you have to return the 25% you got when you separated?"

"I'll give it to her," I replied dismissively.

"Are you sure?" Dane pressed.

"Why? Grandpa's gone, so there's no reason to stay in this fucking marriage."

"Poor creature," Jace said with a hint of sarcasm.

"What are you saying, Jace?"

"Don't mind me." Just then, a car pulled up, drawing our attention. Enrique stepped out and rushed toward the mansion. I thought he was in Korea—what was he doing back here?

From my spot, I had a clear view of the kitchen. Enrique headed straight there, and when he spotted Hailey, he quickly approached her. She stood up, and they hugged; she began to cry on his shoulder as he caressed her back.

"It's supposed to be you, not anyone else," Dane remarked, shaking his head.

"I don't care about her, Dane," I replied, but the words felt hollow.

"You said so." Neither of us spoke further.

I watched as Enrique continued to comfort her, feeling a mix of irritation and disbelief. It was all too melodramatic. Maybe they would end up together once Hailey and I went our separate ways. But poor Enrique—he was the one who had to face the fallout of my claim on Hailey.