How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"All right, take care on your way."

Elodie didn't bother to explain why she wasn't leaving with Jarrod.

She knew exactly where he was headed-straight to Sylvie.

There was no way he'd waste his precious time with Sylvie just to give her a ride home.

The next two days passed in silence.

Nothing from Sylvie, and Jarrod didn't reach out to Elodie, either.

She wasn't sure if this meant things were over, but with everything else demanding her attention, she found it impossible to feel at ease.

On Friday morning, Jarrod finally called. His tone was neutral, almost cold. "Octavia's had an allergic reaction again. She refuses to let the staff help and insists you were the only one who didn't make it hurt last time. Could you come take a look at her?"

Elodie pressed her lips together. "...Sure."

Octavia wasn't her responsibility. She could have said no.

But since Jarrod was asking, and this could be seen as a favor, she figured he'd have no reason to hold the gallery situation over her head anymore.

"That painting-"

"Jarrod, what do you think of this dress?" Sylvie's gentle voice floated through from his end of the line.

It was barely past nine in the morning the busiest time of day—and he was out shopping with Sylvie?

The call disconnected abruptly.

used to being

day off and headed out

prone to allergic flare-ups at the slightest provocation. Her skin would break out in itchy, painful rashes,

anyone who tried to treat her-doctor

past three years, she'd tended to Octavia

come to

Jarrod she would never set foot here again, and

probably think she

her at the door, offering her a pair

"She's upstairs, making a fuss. Only you seem to

smiled and kept quiet, heading straight

glared at her the moment she walked in. "Were you crawling here on all fours? What took you so long?

walked over.

indifference. "Do you have to be

it took. Two dime-sized

available on demand,

eat walnuts?" Elodie

how quickly Elodie had figured it

as meticulous or reliable. For three years, Elodie had looked after her with unwavering care, always mindful of her allergies,

so what? Octavia still didn't think she was good

were better candidates for her brother's wife, and she

If only Elodie would stop competing for the title of Mrs. Silverstein and learn her place, things would be so much