Phoenix's Deceptress Wife

SIXTEEN

"Hailey, wait!" I called out, grabbing her hand.

"Do you need something?" Her tone was cold, unlike what I was used to. Just yesterday, I was the one being rude to her, but now, in just a snap, here I am, chasing after her.

"I'm sorry for everything I said and did to you." Damn! What's happening to me?

"Why are you apologizing?" she asked.

"Because... because I hurt you."

"Don't apologize. You shouldn't say sorry for something you did or said intentionally, especially if you knew beforehand it would hurt or affect someone else, but you did it anyway. 'Sorry' is for things you've said unintentionally or for accidents. But if you knew exactly what you were doing or saying, don't say sorry for it."

"Hailey..."

"Before you threw those hurtful words at me, you already knew they would hurt. But you enjoyed hurting me. You got satisfaction from it. So, why apologize if you found joy in it, even though you knew someone would get hurt?"

"I didn't mean..."

"You meant it," she cut me off. "You meant every word you said... every action you made. I felt it."

"I'm sorry, even if you don't believe me. I'm still sorry."

"Okay. Do you have anything else to say? Because I have something else to do." I shook my head and let go of her hand.

As she went inside, I punched the wall. I grabbed my hair in frustration, staring at her door. I wanted to knock and talk to her, but what would I say? I didn't even know. All I knew was that I wanted to talk to her.

I sat by the door, waiting for it to open again. I had no idea what was happening to me. I couldn't understand my actions, and the only thing running through my mind was her mention of an annulment.

'Is she really serious about the annulment?'

That's what I wanted, after all. That's why I punished, argued with, and insulted her. But now, why do I feel like I don't want it anymore? Why has everything suddenly changed? And even I don't know why.

Damn it! Did my mind really change that fast?

The door opened, and Hailey stepped out. She looked surprised to see me by the door, but I quickly stood up.

"What are you doing here?"

"I just...," I couldn't finish my sentence as the doorbell rang.

"My ride's here," she said.

"Your ride?" It was only then that I noticed the suitcase she was dragging behind her. "Are you leaving?"

"I'm staying at the mansion for a while while the annulment is being processed. Also, the two horses are about to give birth, and only Manong Tasyo and I know how to deliver them at the hacienda. He doesn't have anyone else to help him." Why was I annoyed? Before, I didn't care about what she did. I just agreed with whatever she wanted, but now, I'm irritated that she made a decision without telling me.

"I'm coming with you."

"What?"

"I said, I'm coming with you."

I didn't care. I'll just call Dane and tell him I won't be at work because I have something to take care of. The doorbell rang again, so I went to answer it. She followed behind, dragging her suitcase.

When I opened the door, I saw Enrique standing outside.

'Is he the one she called?'

"Prince," Hailey called out to Enrique.