Because of Her

Anderson Villa 

"Bryan, you are back. Have you had dinner yet?" Mrs. Anderson asked her son with a cold tone in her voice.

Bryan glanced at his mother, seated on the long sofa in the living room. He knew very well that Tina Anderson was still angry at him after he cheated on Hailey. What made it worse was when he reunited with his ex-girlfriend.

"I'm still full, mom. I had dinner on the plane." He lied. He just simply wanted to be alone right now.

Besides, he wanted to prevent his mother from inquiring if he had met Eva and why he flew to the US.

"Okay," Tina replied flatly. She didn't ask further but watched her son's back as he climbed the stairs.

Hailey is her dream daughter-in-law. It's not because of her family's wealth but because Hailey is a sweet child. She could not forgive her son for breaking Hailey's heart until now.

She witnessed her growing up, so she is sure that Hailey will be a wonderful wife and mother to her future grandchildren.

Her circle of friends has this minor dispute about who will become Hailey's mother-in-law. She competes with the Wilson family, the Grubbers or Johansson family, and everyone in high society. And she thought she had won at last.

However, her bastard son lost his mind! It still upset her. Moreover, Bryan got back with his ex. Now, she could not keep in touch with Hailey. It had been almost a year since she last saw that poor girl.

And she prayed that Bryan would wake up and woo Hailey back. But where is Hailey?

~

Bryan pushes his bedroom door and drops his body on the bed. He closed his eyes and massaged his forehead.

When they parted ways in the company, everyone went to dinner and had a little drink after Andre's Welcome Home dinner.

And he understood if no one invited him. Of course, things had changed for a long time already. Everyone is avoiding him. They only talk to him if it is related to work. That is the only time that they approach him.

Like what Andre taught them. It is the least he could do to repent for what he did to Hailey for breaking her heart.

"I thought you were different from other men!"

Those were Hailey's words while her eyes welled up with tears. Her voice still echoed inside his head.

Bryan presses his eyelids hard. He needs something to drink to fall asleep tonight. But it must be his jet lag that dozed him off.

He isn't sure how long he took a nap. He plans to review the reports regarding the accident when he isn't around but falls asleep.

If it weren't for his phone ringing nonstop, he probably would remain asleep until morning. 

Bryan sat up and reached for his phone. He was anxious to answer the call, hoping that it was Hailey. But he was disappointed to see the person's name registered on his phone.

Lazily, he answered the call. "Hello? What do you want?"

The person on the other line frowned when she heard Bryan's indifferent tone. 

"Huh." The woman on the other line scoffs. "Are you disappointed that I was the one who called you in the middle of the night, Bryan?"

"Not. I'm tired. Of course, I was sleeping." He reasoned it out, but the woman only nags.

"Yeah? But you are waiting for her call, is it?"

"Are you checking on me? For once, can you stop it, Eva?"

"Why would I? Because it's true, right? You are like a slave running toward her, just one call away!"

"You know what, Eva? I have no time for this now. If you have nothing to do, but I have tons of..."

"Stop treating me coldly! I'm not someone stranger to you!" Eva didn't wait for Bryan to finish his sentence. Bryan is just making excuses for her.

On the other line, Bryan heaves a furious sigh. He could feel his head throbbing upon hearing Eva's shrieking voice.

"Look, Eva. I have important things to do. But since you only called me for a fight, I'd better hang up now."

"Don't dare to hang up on me, Bryan!" Eva demanded.

Bryan began massaging the back of his head down to his neck to stay calm. Honestly, he is tired of this crap, which has nowhere to go in the end.

"Speak. What do you want?"

Eva frowned when Bryan talked to her like she was his employee. "Why can't you resign from your job and join me? I can introduce you to big companies in the US, and let's live together! Why is it hard for you to leave Australia?"

"How many times should I explain it to you, Eva? This is my life's project! I would never abandon the team! We started this, and we will finish this!"

"No!" 'I don't remember you proposing to me to be with you in Australia, Bryan! And because of her! You don't want to leave Australia because she was there!' Eva wanted to add this, but she only kept it to herself.

She wins Bryan back. However, Bryan never discusses settling down with her in Australia or anywhere! That is why she always finds a way for Bryan to give her time.

Meanwhile, listening to Eva's childish rants, Bryan was annoyed. It was why he could not tell Eva that Hailey was his boss. Eva will always include Hailey in their fights.

He is sure that once Eva learns the truth, she will not only throw a tantrum but also not stop nagging him.

"Eva, you already knew why I must come back very soon. Several people almost died because I neglected my work! Do you understand what that means, Eva? It will be my conscience!"

"But I am your girlfriend!"

Bryan cursed inwardly, listening to Eva's selfish behavior. Before he replies, Bryan hurls a long breath and then releases them. He then uttered, "I think we better take it easy from here, Eva."

"Are you breaking up with me, Bryan?" Eva clenches her fists and tightens her hold on her phone.

"You need to cool off, and I need a break, yes! I have a lot of things to fix out here, Eva. Suppose you could not understand my job. Then yes, maybe we should break up," said Bryan.

"Like, I would agree! Fix things? Don't give me those crap reasons! Like, I didn't know that it included her. You wanted to fix things!"

Bryan knows one thing. He is already fed up with Eva's jealousy. And he is getting tired of their fights.

"Why do you hate Hailey so much?" he asked Eva.