How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Queenie noticed Elodie and greeted her warmly. "Come join us. After all, we're all family here."

It made sense-technically, Queenie was Elodie's sister-in-law.

Ivan arched an eyebrow. "Well, my wife has spoken. Mr. Sterling, care to join us?"

Alexander glanced at Elodie.

She knew it would be awkward to refuse now, so she nodded at him.

They all took their seats.

Jarrod and Sylvie sat together on one side, Ivan and Queenie practically inseparable beside them. Elodie hesitated for a moment, unsure where to sit. Before she could decide, Mr. Ableson and another executive had already settled across from Ivan's group.

With no other option, Elodie sat opposite Jarrod and Sylvie.

Sylvie glanced at Elodie, her gaze lingering a moment longer than usual.

She had noticed Elodie's thoughtful hesitation. From the moment Elodie changed jobs and started working with Alexander, it had seemed inevitable that their paths would cross with hers and Jarrod's.

Was this Elodie's way of taking the long way around for her own goals?

The heavyweights at the table soon launched into a discussion about technology projects.

Elodie had no intention of joining in. She quietly focused on her meal.

had only just signed the

confidential details, Jarrod didn't seem to be holding

to nurture Sylvie's growth, or had he already decided that she was

drinks prepared by the chef as

were passed

three left: one mango juice, two

for the taste of coconut and

was quicker. He placed the mango juice in front

her eyes crinkling. "You always remember what I like. You're

Elodie's hand stilled midair.

she'd adjusted her cooking to suit Jarrod's tastes—whether she cooked herself or Cara did, it was always about what Jarrod

never even

choice or indifference, he'd never

hand hovered, awkward and uncertain, before she finally picked up a bottle of coconut water

last bottle, naturally,

a while until Mr. Ableson suddenly turned to Elodie and Alexander. "Ms. Thorne and

eyes shifted to

look at

calmly, "No, we're

Ableson looked surprised. "Oh, I see. My mistake. You two seem

you look