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.

that Jarrod and Ivan had only just signed

of confidential details, Jarrod didn't seem to be

he trying to nurture Sylvie's growth, or had he

with specialty drinks prepared by

bottles were passed around the

were three left: one mango juice, two

for the taste of coconut and

quicker. He placed the

"You always remember what

Elodie's hand stilled midair.

couldn't help but recall all the times she'd adjusted her cooking to suit Jarrod's tastes—whether she cooked herself or Cara

never even

whether by choice or indifference, he'd never wanted

picked up a bottle of coconut water and set it

last bottle, naturally,

while until Mr. Ableson suddenly turned to Elodie and Alexander. "Ms. Thorne and Mr. Sterling...are you two together, as in, the way we're

shifted to

at Jarrod but

answered calmly,

looked surprised. "Oh, I see. My mistake. You

Ms. Thorne, you