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

taken everything from her-her home, her mother, her sense of safety. Ivan had seen firsthand how much Elodie had suffered. He'd once been moved to tears over it, promising he'd do anything to protect her, to

could say these things

protect Reba, even though 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 she looked at

risked her life for him once. Did he really not

didn't like to argue, so she turned

flicker of frustration crossed Ivan's face. He stubbed

dinner sometime? Are you free this

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

took a deep breath, ready

I just remembered, I'm busy this weekend," Ivan interrupted, a sudden thought crossing his mind. He'd promised

with Queenie. That day

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

scene.

with him anyway. It wasn't appropriate anymore-not as his sister, not after

clutching her coat tightly around herself. He frowned, unable to

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

life, basking in his affection.

this mess about Reba, he figured Elodie was just jealous again-upset that he was taking Reba's

made sense. She'd always reacted the