How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Joseph kept quiet, but he couldn't fully disagree with Maurice's take.

Maurice turned to Jarrod, conviction in his voice. "Look, I honestly think Elodie's just competing with Sylvie. Sylvie's into drones, so Elodie pretends to be interested too. Sylvie likes Alexander, so Elodie joins VistaLink Technologies. Bottom line? She just wants your attention!"

He prided himself on understanding women's little games.

A woman starved for love will act up, make a scene-he'd seen it all before.

Jarrod said nothing. At that moment, his phone rang. It was his grandmother. He stood up and stepped outside to take the call.

"Still awake this late, Grandma?"

She snorted. "And you? Shouldn't you be with Elodie right now?"

Jarrod pinched the bridge of his nose. "Got caught up with work."

"Don't give me that!" she snapped. "You think I don't hear the rumors? I know exactly who you've been spending time with lately. Is this how you think a married man should behave?"

Jarrod looked up, sighing. "Who told you that?"

"So you admit it!" she huffed indignantly. "Jarrod! Elodie's a wonderful girl. If you let her down, don't you fear divine retribution?"

He sounded almost amused. "Is it really that serious?"

angrier. "If you don't want to give me a heart attack,

a reply, she

one hand in his pocket. He opened his messages, stared at Elodie's chat, then backed out and

already

schedule was always steady rarely did she stay

unfailingly patient. No matter when he called or what he needed, she never snapped or refused, even if she was annoyed. She'd just swallow her feelings, then

about her-she

a little groggy,

"Can you come

blinked herself a little

Was he finally going to tell

She didn't hesitate. "Sure."

to pick you

need. I'll

didn't want to risk a second more of conversation, just in case she

dwell

as they could be honest with his grandmother, a lot of headaches would be

next evening, once she'd wrapped up her work, Elodie drove out to Silverstein

the door, immediately taking her hands. "You've lost

offering a gentle smile. "Just been busy. Nothing to worry

still fretted. "I'll have our family doctor look you over,