Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Will You Be Happy

Peyton looked down at the paper and recognized the addressIt was a cemetery.

Peyton thought, "Did Nolan's sister die? But what does it have to do with Dad? I know my dadHe would never harm a little girl."

Peyton understood that this was all she could get from Lucian and JaysonShe didn't pester them for more informationFor the rest of the ride to the Dalton's mansion, Peyton merely sat quietly in the backseat.

A million thoughts raced across Peyton's mind when she saw this familiar house.

Lucian asked politely, "MrsDalton, would you like to get out of the car?"

Peyton answered, "NoI'll wait for Nolan in the car."

The divorce would be the last time their paths crossedPeyton didn't want any accidentsEverything in the Dalton's mansion could bring up Peyton's memories of their marriageShe didn't want to risk it.

Peyton blamed her cowardice on NolanNolan treated her too well.

Although Nolan was getting more aloof every time they met, Peyton still remembered their happy memories.

Peyton should hate Nolan

But she couldn't bring herself to do it.

Jayson kept the car runningThe air conditioner sent warm wind out steadilyPeyton was alone in the carHer stomachache was backPeyton curled into a fetal position and pulled her legs to her chest tightlyShe sat on the seat and silently waited for the sunrise.

During winter, the sun got off work early and came to work lateAlthough it was past seven, it was still dark and foggy outside.

A ginkgo tree was in the yardIts leaves had fallen off long agoPeyton stared at it and was lost in her thoughts.

The ginkgo tree was almost 20 meters tallBut when the ginkgo tree's golden fruits ripened and Peyton was suddenly in the mood for ginkgo soup, Nolan would climb the tree and shake down the fruit for Peyton.

Peyton would be standing under the tree and was showered by the green and golden leaves.

Back then, Nolan was gentle and catered to Peyton's every needHe was a good cook too.

Peyton walked up to the ginkgo tree as she was lost in her memories

The tree was the sameBut they were different.

Only a few dried leaves were struggling to stay on the branchesBut they were as dead as their marriage.

Nolan walked out and saw Peyton next to the tree.

Peyton wore a thin sweaterShe cranked her neck to look at the treeHer hair was dancing in the chilly wind.

Today's weather turned betterWhen the first ray of sunlight shone on Peyton's pale face, she looked like a fairy who was about to vanish.

Peyton's left hand still had a bandage onNolan found it strange that Peyton was still wearing the same outfit as last nightAnd she looked tired.

"Nolan." Peyton knew Nolan was here without looking.

"Morning."

Peyton turned slowly and looked at Nolan's slender figureThe few steps between them felt like a huge gap that they could never cross.

"I want to have your ginkgo soup one more time."

A flicker of shock appeared in Nolan's dark eyesHe immediately recovered and said coldly, "It's out of season

Peyton, stop wasting my time."

Peyton's eyes were red-rimmedShe muttered, "It's the last favor I'll askCan't you do it for me?"

Nolan thought, "She has changed a lot in these three months."

Nolan turned to look at the bare treeHis tone wasn't as cold as before. "The ginkgo in the freezer isn't fresh enoughYou can wait till next year."

Next year...

Peyton caressed the tough bark and thought, "I won't live to then."

"Nolan, do you hate me?"

"Yes."

Peyton turned to Nolan and said lightly, "Well...will you be happy once I'm gone?"

Peyton's question was like a rumble of thunder to Nolan.

Nolan couldn't think over the blood rushing in his ears.

After a while, Nolan recovered and said coldly, "FineIt isn't a big deal anywayCome in."

Peyton watched Nolan's back and smiled.

Peyton thought, "My death has an effect on him."

A retaliation idea suddenly crossed Peyton's mindShe thought, "I'd like to see the look on his face when he learns about my death."

Peyton wanted to know whether Nolan would be happy or sad.

Nolan expertly took out the ginkgo fruits and other ingredients in the freezer to defrost them.

Watching Nolan's busy moves in the kitchen, Peyton only felt bitter

She guessed this was the last time Nolan cooked for her.

Peyton thought it was alright.

They made another memory after all.

Peyton used the fireplace to reheat the doughnutsThe sweet smell filled the room.

In the past, every time Peyton brought doughnuts home, Shelia Dalton, Nolan's grandma, would be attracted by the smell and run overShelia treated Peyton like her granddaughter.

It was a pity that Shelia died two years agoNolan's grandfather didn't want to live in sorrow and left the country.

The once-cozy mansion was cold and emptyThe doughnuts were as sweet as everBut Peyton didn't have an appetite when Sheila wasn't here to fight with her for the doughnuts.

Peyton ate a doughnut and drank a glass of hot waterThe stomachache lessened.

A delicious smell wafted up from the kitchenPeyton stood up and walked overNolan put half of the soup into a thermal container before putting the rest in a bowl.

Peyton realized that she wasn't Nolan's only beloved anymore

She tried to fool herself with their happy past.

"It's done." Nolan didn't notice Peyton's bad mood.

"Thank you."

Peyton looked down at the steamy soup in the bowlIt looked and smelled as nice as everBut Peyton lost her appetite.

"It's lateLet's go to Courthouse."

Nolan looked slightly annoyed. "Aren't you having the soup?"

"I don't feel like it."

In the past, whenever Peyton acted like a spoiled child, Nolan would patiently woo her with soothing words.

Yet, Nolan only gave Peyton a long hard look before pouring the soup into the sinkHe approached Peyton with a blank face and said, "Let's go."

Nolan handed the thermal container to Lucian and said, "Send it to Seaview Villa."

"Yes, MrDalton."

Peyton finally accepted that their marriage was over.

The past year seemed like a joke.

Peyton hurried outWhen she walked past the ginkgo tree, a strong wind blew overThe last leaves on the tree fell off without making a sound.

Peyton opened her hand and caught a dead leaf

She whispered, "What's the point of holding on?"

She dropped the leaf and stomped on itThe fragile leaf was completely shattered.

They got in the car and closed the doorSitting at the furthest ends of the backseat, the former couple constantly gave off chilly airEven the warm wind from the air conditioner failed to block itBoth looked gloomy, as if the world was collapsing.

The drive to Courthouse went without a hiccupThere wasn't a traffic jam or a red lightIt was like even fate was urging them to finalize the divorce.

They were one turn away from arrivingNolan's cell rangHelena spoke anxiously on the phone, "Nolan, Chris' fever keeps going upI tried not to bother youBut his temperature has reached 39 degrees centigradeI'm scaredPlease come over..."

"I'm on my way."

Nolan hung up and found Peyton glaring at him with red-rimmed eyesHer gaze was filled with hate. "What's your child's name again?"