How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

If she'd stayed on her ideal academic path, she would've ended up in aerospace engineering.

Drones had become one of the most significant technological advancements of the era, with uses spanning everything from the military to civilian life and agriculture.

Back then, her professor only agreed to write her a recommendation to the research institute because she'd designed and provided technical guidance for the integrated reconnaissance and combat drone, model U.N. It combined long- range capability, heavy payload, high speed, and automated controls-a breakthrough in the field that had already seen real military deployment.

Inside the industry, her work had set the gold standard.

Yet after her marriage derailed her career, she found herself physically and emotionally battered. Cancer at such a young age cast a shadow over her future -she had no idea how much time she had left.

But that painful journey taught her something:

In the end, you have to put yourself first. Live for yourself.

Even if she couldn't be cured, she wasn't going to let regret define her remaining days.

She wanted...

To return to her field. To dig back into the dreams she'd once nurtured.

Esmeralda knew nothing about engineering herself, but she had deep pockets- and VistaLink Technologies had some of the brightest minds in the business.

Esmeralda provided the funding; the other side brought the expertise. In just a few years, VistaLink Technologies had become a rising star in Eldermere's tech scene, a dark horse with a sterling reputation.

But still-

"You know, when I chose to get married, he cut all contact with me. He runs VistaLink Technologies now. I doubt he'd want me there."

The man who wrote Elodie's recommendation had been his father. Both father and son had believed in her, invested so much hope and effort, convinced she'd go on to achieve something remarkable-maybe even bring pride to their country.

But after she got married, she let them down.

Esmeralda scratched her head. "Alexander acts tough, but he's soft underneath- you know that. Let me set something up for you two to talk it out. Honestly, I think he misses you."

Elodie managed a bitter smile.

to boost his status-if he hadn't set her up and then threatened her

phone buzzed. Octavia was

and declined the

divorce looming, she had no patience

up her calls kept coming, insistent

Elodie pressed her

so annoying! Can't you see it's me

"What do you want?"

my brother. If anyone asks, just say you're our

and Octavia didn't want anyone getting the

tone was calm and measured. "I'm not your mother. I'm not your sister-in- law anymore. You can ask your legal guardian.

understand what manners are supposed

Elodie ended the call.

She felt drained.

picked up on the attitudes of the adults

she'd forced Jarrod into net

years, every vacation, Octavia would show up just to make her

new ways to

heating up between Jarrod and Sylvie, Octavia would come over just to keep Elodie from interfering in their

old-she should know better by

her nothing. She didn't need

truly set on divorce. She

waited for her

o'clock, the phone rang

Elodie hesitated before answering.

never showed, Octavia called in sick, and now no one can find her!" Lucinda's

Elodie frowned.

seen this

always been borderline hostile. If Elodie hadn't "trapped"

know," Elodie

the one who bailed! Trying to dodge responsibility

a child in three years you can't even manage the basics of