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.

been in any

Jarrod finally turn his gaze in Elodie's

cool and steady, "Is that

heart clenched, her breath catching in her

hadn't even spared her so much as a

his tone was cold and indifferent, completely unconcerned whether

only person he truly cared about was

himself at

Elodie's last three years

apathy toward her was

people on this side of the campsite, divided into

Wrapping her soft woolen shawl tighter around her shoulders, she walked over to her tent and sat down. The

herself to enjoy

less about what Jarrod and the others were

time to time, Freya

Elodie a hand warmer and

but she was unfailingly considerate. "If you need

me. My tent's right next to yours-don't hesitate,

genuine smile. "Thank you,

left, Joseph

starting a conversation, but it felt rude to

up here. He hesitated.

"...Alright."

odd lately, though she couldn't put her finger on

to speak to her

just been

the awkwardness, Joseph seemed on the verge