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.

he hadn't set her up and then threatened her into giving up everything she loved her life

buzzed. Octavia

frowned and declined the

looming, she had

Octavia wouldn't give up her calls kept coming, insistent and

the fifth ring, Elodie pressed her

you see

"What do you want?"

at ten. You need to go for my brother.

Sylvie, and Octavia didn't want anyone getting the

measured. "I'm not your mother. I'm not your sister-in- law anymore. You

old enough to understand what manners are

Elodie ended the call.

She felt drained.

had never liked her. Kids always picked up on the attitudes of the adults around them.

Jarrod into net

Octavia would show up just to make

finding new ways

between Jarrod and Sylvie, Octavia would come over just

old-she should know better by

didn't need to

saw that Elodie was finally standing up for herself, she realized Elodie was truly set on divorce. She hurried back to

her IV drip to

to five o'clock, the phone rang again—this time,

Elodie hesitated before answering.

Octavia? She said you'd go to the parent-teacher meeting. The teacher said you never showed, Octavia called in sick, and now no one can find

Elodie frowned.

hadn't seen this

Elodie hadn't "trapped" her son, Lucinda would have made sure Jarrod

don't know," Elodie

one who bailed! Trying to

in three years you