Reclaiming the CEO's Heart novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8 Fading Memories 

Avery lowered her head and glanced at the paper, on which prominently written the address of a cemetery. 

Did it mean his little sister passed away? But what did his sister's death have to do with her father? Avery knew for sure that Martin would never harm a young girl. 

Knowing that the two wouldn't reveal much, Avery didn't press them further. In the following trip, there was silence. 

Returning to this familiar place, Avery was filled with mixed emotions. 

John politely inquired, "Mr.s Hill, would you like to go in?" 

"No need. I'll wait for him here." 

The final interaction between her and Jazob was now reduced to the pending divorce. She didn't want to create more complications, especially when every blade of grass and every tree here held memories of both of them. She also didn't want to stir up deep emotions. 

If she had to blame anyone or anything, it would be the man who used to treat her as an appple of his eye. 

Even though he had grown colder with each passing day, she still held onto memories of his kindness. 

She should despise him deeply, but she couldn't bring herself to be harsh. 

The car engine kept running, providing her with a steady supply of warmth. She was alone in the car, and Avery's stomachache returned. She curled up like a little shrimp, hugging her knees tightly, crouching on the seat, and waiting for dawn. 

Winter days grew dark early and bright late. It was a little after seven, and the sky was still misty. 

The ginkgo tree in the yard had long shed its leaves. Her thoughts drifted back to the past. 

In autum back then, every time when she wanted to have soup with ginkgo, he would climb up the over ten-meter-high ginkgo tree in the yard to shake the fruits down for her. 

Green and yellow leaves fell gently, like a golden rain for her. 

At that time, Jazob was approachable and skilled in cooking. He doted on her endlessly. 

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't realize when she had walked alone to the base of that tree. The ginkgo tree was still there, but everything else had changed. 

The leaves had long fallen, leaving only a few withered ones teetering on the branches, much like the precarious relationship between her and Jazob now. 

Jazob stepped out of the villa and was met with this scene. 

A young woman in a thin, knitted sweater stood under the tree, her head tilting back. The cold wind tousled her hair. 

Today, the weather had changed from the gloomy days of the previous ones. The first rays of the morning sun fell on her face. Her skin was almost translucent, like a fading divine maiden. 

Her palm was still wrapped in gauze. Strangely, she was still wearing last night's clothes, looking wan. 

"Jazob," she didn't turn around but knew of his arrival. 

"Mm-hmm." 

Avery slowly turned around, her gaze fixed on the tall man. Despite their close proximity, it felt like they were worlds apart. 

"Can you make soup for one for one last time?" she murmured. 

A moment of surprise flitted across Jazob's dark eyes, and then he spoke coolly, "The ginkgo season has passed. Avery. Don't waste our time." 

Avery's eyes welled with redness. She murmured, "Can't this be my final request before the divorce?" 

After three months of being apart, she seemed to have changed a lot. 

He averted his gaze, looking at the bare tree. His tone was less cold. "The frozen ones from last year aren't fresh. If you want, I can make it for you next year." 

Next year... 

Avery touched the rough bark. She was afraid she wouldn't make it until then. 

"Jazob, do you hate me that much?" 

"Yes." 

She turned to look at him and asked softly, "Then... would you be happy if I were dead?" 

Boom-