How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Selma was smiling, but there was a cold, glittering pride in her eyes—a sort of hauteur built from wealth and privilege.

Elodie pressed her lips together, her expression cool and distant. She didn't even bother to answer.

How could she possibly greet the woman who'd stabbed her mother in the back and ruined her life with a smile?

Maurice looked annoyed. "When someone older speaks to you, you should at least respond."

Joseph, on the other hand, stayed quiet.

He'd always thought of Elodie as someone who drew clear lines between love and hate. If she ever showed someone her indifference-or worse, her dislike-it was only because they'd earned it.

People like them-Jarrod's so-called friends.

"It's fine, she's always been like this. No harm done." Selma, ever the gracious matriarch, acted as if there was no lingering grudge. "Today's our housewarming party. Would you like to join us?"

Elodie glanced at Jarrod, who stood nearby, his face unreadable.

If not for Jarrod's arrangements, Selma never would have settled back in the country so quickly.

The irony bit at her. After everything Selma had done to her mother, here she was, playing the part of the benevolent elder. To anyone who didn't know better, she could have passed for a kind aunt.

Elodie glanced toward the banquet hall.

movers

had pulled out all the stops-her event was the talk of

in all their years together, Jarrod had never shown Elodie's grandmother or uncle this kind of respect, never

box in Jarrod's car—no doubt carefully chosen for Sylvie and

her eyes as she linked arms with Elodie. "She doesn't

brows drawing together in

these friends Elodie surrounded herself

Esmeralda a quick,

might push things too far, Elodie tugged her gently

and Joseph stared, mouths

waved a

was nothing but empty

of welcoming Elodie either. She

to the guests in a bit? I don't want

Jarrod nodded. "Of course."

me help, Aunt

smile returning,

linger. She pulled Esmeralda with her and

a word. Sylvie let out a silent, scornful laugh at

just making

staying would only make things more awkward. After

would think Jarrod was her beloved son-in-law!" "And the way those two looked at you as if you're the one intruding on their perfect little family. Jarrod's really given them all