How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

The conference venue was just across the street from the hotel, a short walk

away.

By the next morning, Elodie was feeling much better; her throat no longer felt like it was being raked by glass, though she still took another dose of medicine just to be safe.

After the symposium, there would be a cocktail reception.

The event was scheduled to run from three in the afternoon until around nine in the evening.

Around midday, the doorbell rang.

When Elodie opened the door, she was surprised to find Ivan standing there.

"You look a bit pale," Ivan said, frowning as he took in her makeup-free face and colorless lips. "Are you feeling alright?"

He reached out and pressed a hand to her forehead. "Did you remember to take your medicine? Want me to take you to the doctor?"

Elodie could tell from his eyes that his concern was genuine.

Still, she stepped back, avoiding his gaze. "Is there something you need?"

Ivan was the prospective son-in-law of The Jett Group, so it wasn't unusual he'd attend an event like this.

Noticing her distant manner, Ivan's brows drew together. After a moment, he handed her a gift box. "See if you like this. Tonight's event is formal, and I thought you should have something appropriate this necklace suits you."

on

don't need it," she murmured, pressing

hands. "You're stubborn, just like when you were a kid. I also wanted to ask about your mother's third memorial. If you're

off guard-she hadn't

Elodie got married.

kept track of

you at the event later," Ivan said,

ruffled her hair before

clear to Elodie that, despite his genuine concern, there was a trace

let herself

opened

As a child, Elodie had always been fascinated by space-she'd devoured astronomy books and even

wonder Ivan had said it would

him to remember her

jewelry with her this

her, did her makeup, fastened the necklace

the side of

arrived at the venue

filling up with industry leaders

hall, a massive

Integrated Strike-and- Detection Drone, which

these years, you're still leading the field.

father was one exception, and Elodie