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.

in any danger

now did Jarrod finally turn

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

breath catching in

her so much

his tone was cold and indifferent, completely unconcerned whether she was hurt or

he truly cared about

himself at

Elodie's last three years had

toward her was

on this side

tighter around her shoulders, she walked over to her tent and sat down. The view

allowed herself to enjoy the rare

care less about what Jarrod and the others were

time to time, Freya

warmer and

still young, but she was unfailingly considerate. "If you

My tent's right

managed a small, genuine smile. "Thank you, I

left,

on starting a conversation, but it felt rude to ignore him. "You're not hanging

he'd ended up here. He hesitated. "It's supposed

"...Alright."

lately, though she couldn't

to speak to her

been dismissive or

seemed on the verge of