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.

all movers and shakers from the

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

Elodie's grandmother or uncle this

mind wandered to the other gift box in Jarrod's car—no

of her eyes as she linked arms with Elodie. "She doesn't have time to

brows drawing

were these friends Elodie surrounded herself

Esmeralda a quick, inscrutable

Esmeralda might push things

Joseph

they were about to say something, Sylvie waved a hand, brushing it all aside

bravado was nothing but empty bluster—a last-ditch attempt to preserve

Elodie either. She

at Jarrod. "Jarrod, would you introduce me to the guests in a

Jarrod nodded. "Of course."

after her. "Let me help, Aunt Selma. Meeting you will be an honor for

mood brightened, her smile

She pulled Esmeralda with her

glanced at Elodie's retreating figure, then turned away without a word. Sylvie let out a silent, scornful

just

things more awkward. After

on her hips and pretended to gag. "What a performance! Anyone 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