How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"Jarrod, that was quick thinking-you nearly saved Sylvie from getting burned," Maurice said, letting out a relieved sigh as he noticed the close call.

Everyone's attention turned to Sylvie.

She had indeed been standing quite close to the oven tray just moments ago.

Seeing everyone's concern, Sylvie offered a graceful smile. "Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine."

Octavia, the one who'd started all the commotion, rushed over in a panic, cradling Sylvie's hands with guilt. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to! I nearly gave myself a heart attack!"

Sylvie ruffled her hair affectionately. "It's alright, really."

Elodie curled her fingers into her palm.

Suddenly, she realized she'd been overthinking things.

Jarrod's reaction hadn't been out of worry for her at all. He'd only panicked because Sylvie was almost hurt-he hadn't even hesitated to put himself at risk.

Only Sylvie, it seemed, could rattle the calm, collected Jarrod.

Joseph, after making sure Elodie was unscathed, finally settled back in his seat.

Freya glanced over, concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you're okay? Let me see your hand."

Elodie shook her head.

Across from her, Alexander's expression shifted subtly as he glanced at Jarrod, who was still shielding Sylvie. "Mr. Silverstein, didn't you see that Elodie was nearly burned too?"

Elodie had been standing even closer to the tray than Sylvie.

really been in any danger at

Jarrod finally turn his gaze in

replied, voice cool and steady, "Is that so?

breath catching in

even spared her so much

his tone was cold and indifferent, completely unconcerned

truly cared about

himself at a loss for

understood what Elodie's last three years had

apathy toward

twenty people on this side of

her shoulders, she walked over to her tent and sat down. The view here was beautiful, the air was clean,

herself to enjoy the

couldn't care less about what Jarrod and the others were talking

time, Freya came

a hand warmer and a

young, but she was unfailingly considerate. "If

tent's right

small, genuine smile.

left, Joseph

but it felt rude to ignore

up here. He hesitated. "It's supposed to get colder tonight. Make sure you stay

"...Alright."

behavior a little odd lately, though she couldn't put

to

he'd just been dismissive or

the awkwardness, Joseph seemed on the verge