Chapter 12

Hailey's POV

As I walked toward the kitchen, I heard Elena talking to Connor in a begging tone. Apparently, she didn't want to go.

I was not interested in eavesdropping, so I closed the kitchen door.

At the thought of leaving here quickly, I opted for the quickest fix—sandwiches. I reached for the peanut butter and jam, and some whole-meal bread from the cupboard.

After smearing one slice with peanut butter and another with strawberry jam, I sandwiched them together and cut them into neat triangles.

With swift action, I diced up some carrots and cucumbers into crisp strips as side dishes.

To round off the meal, I whipped up a pot of tomato vegetable soup. I tossed in fresh tomatoes, onions, carrots, and celery, poured in some water, sprinkled a pinch of salt, and let it simmer on low.

When I walked out of the kitchen with the food, I was surprised to find that Elena had already left.

That was out of my expectation. But it was good for me though. Without Elena here, I could leave more easily.

Connor sat alone at the dining table. It was hard to read his thoughts from his poker face.

I tried to take the edge off the tense vibe with a light tone. "Enjoy your lunch. See ya."

Connor looked up at me, his gaze somewhat profound. "Wait."

I turned my head and frowned, confused by his doing.

I had cooked for him as he asked. What else did he want?

Connor passed me a document and said, "Take a look. If there are no problems, sign it."

His words only confused me more. 'Sign what? Is he worried I'll stick around and he needs a guarantee?' I wondered as taking over the document.

It turned out to be an agreement.

He wanted me to stay? It was an agreement about maintaining our current relationship. There was also a blank check.

With a lazy and casual tone, he added, "You need money, right? You agreed to sleep with me for just twenty grand. This agreement will be valid for three years. Just scribble the amount on that check."

I stared at Connor in surprise, hoping to see a hint of respect from his eyes.

Unfortunately, there was none. There was nothing but pride.

Disappointment washed over me like a cold wave. I put down the agreement, and for the first time, I said to Connor with a cold face, "Is that how you see me?"

In a relationship, I thought it'd be all about love and respect. A couple would get each other's backs, cheering and leaning on one another through thick and thin.

If their journey came to a crossroads and they were calling it quits, there was still a way to do it with class. Respect on the way out was the least they could do to honor what they had together.

But Connor was humiliating me with this agreement.

Connor frowned at me. "Does that matter? Just sign it. Don't you need money? I think I'm quite generous."

Saying nothing, I just fixed my eyes on him.

He sounded impatient with those gloomy eyes. "What else do you want? Don't get too greedy."

Finally, I unleashed my frustration, my roar cutting through the silence like a knife.

"Are you high? Or are you still daydreaming? You asked me to leave, and I agreed. You know very well that we have a mate bond, and without performing a reject ceremony, that bond won't break. It'll make me weak after I leave the pack. But you did it anyway. I'm OK with it for Frank's sake. But just keep in mind that I owe you nothing. I didn't spend your money or take anything from you. You have no right to humiliate me like this! What do I want? Well, a person like you will never know!"

Connor's face darkened. His voice was cold. "How dare you speak to me like that? The last werewolf who did so is with the Moon Goddess now."

I wasn't the least bit intimidated by him. With a tone that dripped with fury, I declared, "From now on, besides Frank's matters, we shouldn't see each other again. Let's go our separate ways!"

Then, without a goodbye, I hoisted my bag and made for the door.

I had no desire to lay eyes on him again.

He really enraged me.

Every she-wolf would have some expectations from her mate. So was I.

I agreed to marry Connor out of gratitude, but I aimed to build a life that was rich with happiness, to bridge the gap between us.

When I looked at Connor's handsome face, I felt good. Sleeping beside him, my heart would race.

I was just an ordinary girl. I wanted my husband's respect and his love.

But then I met Connor.

All those dreams of mine were shattered. So, I left.

Connor's POV

The villa was quiet.

After the faint, drowsy scent dissipated, I felt irritated more than ever.

This felt worse because I had tasted the sweetness, but then, it was all gone.

For years, I had to put up with Derek's temper and I never slept well.

But ever since Hailey appeared, I was able to sleep soundly.

The thought of returning to those endless, sleepless nights was the last straw—I snapped. My temper flared up, and there was no reining it in this time.

I hated anything out of my control.

This made me look weak.

If money wouldn't solve this problem, then...

What about love?

For some reason, till this day, I had never thought about using nasty ways to deal with Hailey.

I called Benjamin.

And he was more than happy to help.

He smiled, "You know what? It's actually not that hard to make a woman fall for you. I'll tell you what to do."