Even After Death Novel (Olivia) novel Chapter 9

Olivia looked at the paper in her hand. It was the address of a cemetery.

Was Ethan’s sister dead?

Even so, what did her father have to do with her death?

If anyone were to know what kind of person her father was, it would be Olivia. And she knew he was not one to harm others, let alone a young woman.

She knew that Brent and Kelvin would not disclose more information and decided to stop probing them. It was silent all the way to the Millers’ residence. Olivia had mixed feelings when they arrived.

Brent politely asked her, “Mrs. Miller, would you like to go inside?”

“No, thanks. I’ll wait for him here.”

This was the final time she would meet him, and it was only to settle their divorce. She did not want to cause more trouble for herself. Besides, every single thing in there would remind her of their time together, and she refused to reminisce about the past.

He was to blame for cherishing her so much back then. Even though he had become colder and more indifferent to her over time, she would never forget how kind and loving he had been.

He should have been someone she hated to the core, but she could not find it in her heart to do so.

The ignition was not turned off, and the inside of the car was warm and comfortable. She was the only one left in the car now.

Her stomach started to hurt again, and she curled up into a fetal position and waited for the sky to brighten up. After that, she shifted into a position where she hugged her knees tightly to her chest.

It was winter, so the days were short and the nights long. It was already seven in the morning now, yet the sky was still rather dark. The leaves had fallen from the apple tree in the garden, making her thoughts drift off to some time in the past.

During the apple season, she yearned to have a taste of apple cider. Knowing this, Ethan helped to pick the fruits for her.

Back then, the Ethan she knew was amiable and approachable. He was an excellent cook, and he spoiled her like a princess.

As her thoughts wandered, she found herself walking alone toward the tree. It was still there, as it had been back then.

But everything had changed, including the man she’d been with. Even the tree had changed; only a couple of dried leaves hung from the branches now. Its sorry state resembled her current relationship with Ethan.

As Ethan walked out of the mansion, the same sight greeted him. A woman wearing a thin knitted shirt stood watching the apple tree from below. A gentle breeze blew, gently tousling her hair.

The weather was way better today than the past few days. The first rays of the sun cast its glow on her face.

Her fair skin glowed under it, making her look like a fairy who would vanish into thin air in the blink of an eye. Her hands were bandaged, but her countenance was pale, and she still wore the clothes she wore last night.

“Ethan.” She did not look at him but was able to sense his presence.

“Mhmm?” He hummed.

Slowly, Olivia turned to face him. They stood close to each other, yet their hearts were far apart.

“I want to drink the apple cider you made one last time.”

Ethan was taken aback and took some time to respond. “The apple season has passed. Stop wasting your time,” he said, emotionless.

Olivia’s eyes looked a little puffy as she muttered, “Can you treat it as my last request before our divorce?”

She seemed to have changed a lot in just three months. He turned to look at the barren tree. In a slightly softer tone, he told her, “The frozen ones from last year aren’t fresh. Let’s see how it goes next year.”

Next year …

Olivia brushed her fingers on the rough bark of the tree. She wouldn’t be able to wait for another year. “You must hate me a lot, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then … will you be happy if I die?” She turned to face him and spoke softly.

“Send this to Collington Cove,” Ethan said as he passed the thermos flask to Brent.

“Alright, Mr. Miller.”

It was at this moment that Olivia knew that there was nothing she could do to mend the tear in their relationship. The year she spent trying to fix things was nothing but a joke.

Olivia quickly walked to the car. As she passed the apple tree, the wind blew, and the last leaves of the tree fell from its branches.

Olivia raised a hand to catch one of the leaves. Softly, she said to herself, “What are you even holding on to?”

Then she tossed it to the ground and crushed it beneath her feet.

She closed the door of the car. Even though it was warm inside, just the way that she and Ethan sat at both ends of the passenger seat—like the North and South Poles—was enough to have the air feel as chilly as the weather outside.

The journey to the City Hall was smooth and without much traffic. It was as if God was paving the way for their divorce because the traffic lights were green all the way.

As the car was taking a turn at the intersection, nearing their destination, Ethan’s phone started ringing. Marina’s voice came from the other end of the line.

“Ethan, Connor’s down with a fever. I didn’t want to disturb you, but his fever is now at 103 degrees. I’m so scared. Hurry over—”

“I’m coming.” Ethan hung up, his eyes meeting Olivia’s gaze.

Her eyes were glassy, but the hatred in them was as clear as day. She spoke slowly, enunciating each word. “What’s the child’s name?”