How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie couldn't quite describe what she was feeling. It wasn't disappointment-just a biting sense of irony.

But really, what did she expect?

Of course Jarrod wouldn't deny the woman he loved her rightful place.

Ivan led Elodie out to the parking lot. As they stopped by the car, she was the first to pull her hand free, her voice cool and even as she asked, "Was there something you wanted to say?"

Leaning against the car door, Ivan hesitated. He knew Elodie was furious. The people who'd betrayed her her father, her husband, her sister—maybe he belonged on that list too.

But even so, Ivan knew he still mattered more to Elodie than the rest of them. She'd always listened to him, even when she disagreed.

"You know Jarrod would never actually get involved with Reba," Ivan said, lighting

a cigarette. "He cares about Sylvie. Anyone can see that."

Elodie hesitated for a moment. That's what everyone seemed to think.

"And as for Reba, she's still my sister. I can't just stand by and do nothing," Ivan continued, his tone deliberately casual, but his gaze steady and sincere.

Elodie had thought she could get through today's events without feeling anything at all. But Ivan's words struck her deeply.

chosen to defend Reba

home, her mother, her sense of safety. Ivan had seen firsthand how much Elodie had suffered.

these

you know I'm the one getting hurt? You want me to just step aside and get over it?" Elodie let out a soft, bitter laugh. There was a raw ache in her chest as

life for him once. Did he really not

argue, so she turned

Ivan's face. He stubbed out his cigarette,

dinner sometime? Are you free

was angry, but she was always quick to forgive. Usually, a meal

deep breath, ready to

just remembered, I'm busy this weekend," Ivan interrupted, a sudden thought

Queenie. That day

he planned on explaining that to Elodie. She'd just get upset

scene.

him. She hadn't planned on having dinner with him anyway. It

coat tightly around herself. He frowned, unable to shake the feeling that something about her had

world all through her teenage years. He was one of the most important people in her life, even

been sunny and full of life, basking in his affection. She'd been jealous when other women

about Reba, he figured Elodie was just jealous again-upset that he was

sense. She'd always reacted the strongest