Chapter 8 Will You Be Happy
Peyton looked down at the paper and recognized the address. It was a
cemetery.
Peyton thought, âDid Nolanâs sister die? But what does it have to do with Dad? I know my dad. He
would never harm a little girl.â
Peyton understood that this was all she could get from Lucian and Jayson. She didnât pester them for
more information. For the rest of the ride to the Daltonâs mansion, Peyton merely sat quietly in the
backseat.
A million thoughts raced across Peytonâs mind when she saw this familiar house.
Lucian asked politely, âMrs. Dalton, would you like to get out of the car?â
Peyton answered, âNo. Iâll wait for Nolan in the car.â
The divorce would be the last time their paths crossed. Peyton didnât want any accidents. Everything in
the Daltonâs mansion could bring up Peytonâs memories of their marriage. She didnât want to risk it.
Peyton blamed her cowardice on Nolan. Nolan 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 couldnât bring herself to do it.
Jayson kept the car running. The air conditioner sent warm wind out steadily. Peyton was alone in the
car. Her stomachache was back. Peyton curled into a fetal position and pulled her legs to her chest.
tightly. She sat on the seat and silently waited for the sunrise.
During winter, the sun got off work early and came to work late. Although it was past seven, it was still
dark and foggy outside.
A ginkgo tree was in the yard. Its leaves had fallen off long ago. Peyton stared at it and was lost in her
thoughts.
The ginkgo tree was almost 20 meters tall. But when the ginkgo treeâs 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 Peytonâs every need. He was a good cook too.
Peyton walked up to the ginkgo tree as she was lost in her memories. The tree was the same. But they
were different.
Only a few dried leaves were struggling to stay on the branches. But they were as dead as their
marriage.
Nolan walked out and saw Peyton next to the tree.
Peyton wore a thin sweater. She cranked her neck to look at the tree. Her hair was dancing in the chilly
wind.
Todayâs weather turned better. When the first ray of sunlight shone on Peytonâs pale face, she looked
like a fairy who was about to vanish.
Peytonâs left hand still had a bandage on. Nolan found it strange that Peyton was still wearing the same
outfit as last night. And she looked tired.
âNolan.â Peyton knew Nolan was here without looking.
âMorning.â
Peyton turned slowly and looked at Nolanâs slender figure. The few steps between them felt like a huge
gap that they could never cross.
âI want to have your ginkgo soup one more time.â
A flicker of shock appeared in Nolanâs dark eyes. He immediately recovered and said coldly, âItâs out of
season. Peyton, stop wasting my time.â
Peytonâs eyes were red-rimmed. She muttered, âItâs the last favor Iâll ask. Canât you do it for me?â
Nolan thought, âShe has changed a lot in these three months.â
Nolan turned to look at the bare tree. His tone wasnât as cold as before. âThe ginkgo in the freezer isnât
fresh enough. You can wait till next year.â
Next yearâ¦
Peyton caressed the tough bark and thought, âI wonât live to then.â
âNolan, do you hate me?â
âYes.â
Peyton turned to Nolan and said lightly, âWellâ¦will you be happy once Iâm gone?â
Peytonâs question was like a rumble of thunder to Nolan.
Nolan couldnât think over the blood rushing in his ears.
After a while, Nolan recovered and said coldly, âFine. It isnât a big deal anyway. Come in.â
Peyton watched Nolanâs back and smiled.
Peyton thought, âMy death has an effect on him.â
A retaliation idea suddenly crossed Peytonâs mind. She thought, âIâd like to see the look on his face
when he learns about my death.â
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 Nolanâs 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 doughnuts. The sweet smell filled the room.
In the past, every time Peyton brought doughnuts home, Shelia Dalton, Nolanâs grandma, would be
attracted by the smell and run over. Shelia treated Peyton like her granddaughter.
It was a pity that Shelia died two years ago. Nolanâs grandfather didnât want to live in sorrow and left
the country.
The once-cozy mansion was cold and empty. The doughnuts were as sweet as ever. But Peyton didnât
have an appetite when Sheila wasnât here to fight with her for the doughnuts.
Peyton ate a doughnut and drank a glass of hot water. The stomachache lessened.
A delicious smell wafted up from the kitchen. Peyton stood up and
sound.
Peyton opened her hand and caught a dead leaf. She whispered, âWhatâs the point of holding on?â
She dropped the leaf and stomped on it. The fragile leaf was completely shattered.
They got in the car and closed the door. Sitting at the furthest ends of the backseat, the former couple
constantly gave off chilly air. Even the warm wind from the air conditioner failed to block it. Both looked
gloomy, as if the world was collapsing.
The drive to Courthouse went without a hiccup. There wasnât a traffic jam or a red light. It was like even
fate was urging them to finalize the divorce.
They were one turn away from arriving. Nolanâs cell rang. Helena spoke anxiously on the phone,
âNolan, Chrisâ fever keeps going up. I tried not to bother you. But his temperature has reached 39
degrees centigrade. Iâm scared. Please come overâ¦â
âIâm on my way.â
Nolan hung up and found Peyton glaring at him with red-rimmed eyes. Her gaze was filled with hate.
âWhatâs your childâs name again?â