How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Jarrod set down his fork, barely touching his dinner, and stood up abruptly. "I have something to take care of. You all go ahead and eat."

Without another glance at Elodie, he strode upstairs, his long legs carrying him away in seconds.

Elodie had caught that inscrutable look Jarrod had given her just before he left. She couldn't figure out what it meant, but it left a restless ache in her chest. When did he plan to tell his grandmother the truth?

Across the table, Octavia pouted. "Well, if my brother's not eating, I'm not hungry either." She hopped up, already thinking about her video games, and disappeared to her room.

Elodie stayed at the table, eating quietly and maintaining her composure. What others thought of her was their business, not hers. There was no point tormenting herself over it.

She finished her meal in silence.

When she stood to clear her plate, Jarrod's grandmother caught her hand and sighed, her expression weary but gentle. "Sweetheart, you know how Jarrod is- he's always been that way. I know you've been treated unfairly, but you can trust me, I'm always on your side. I won't let him break your heart, I promise."

Elodie felt a pang of guilt seeing the old woman's worried face. The grandmother had always been kind to her, always hoping they'd work things out and even trying to help Elodie warm Jarrod's cold heart.

But it was pointless now.

He'd given himself-body and soul to another woman. Elodie was done pretending everything was fine. She couldn't force herself to swallow that bitter pill anymore.

illness hanging over her like a ticking time bomb, she had no desire to become

took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I'll ask Jarrod to come downstairs so we can

longer and hurried upstairs, her heart pounding as she headed

paused at the door, composed herself,

to have an honest conversation about

No response.

again. Still

pushed the door open.

inside and caught sight of him by the window, his back to her. On his phone's screen, Sylvie's smiling face beamed back at him-the two of them deep in conversation, lost in

turned, the warmth in his handsome features vanishing the instant he saw her. He made

the spot as she met his icy gaze. Her

knocking?" His voice was expressionless,

of marriage had left their mark. Elodie couldn't pretend she didn't care. She forced herself to meet his eyes, her voice calm but edged with hurt. "Are

Like at Mount Serene.

she was up to her

Jarrod's brow furrowed.

open. Octavia grabbed Elodie by the wrist. "What are you doing in my brother's room? Come on,

doorway with arms outstretched. "I've got a