How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

His eyes were cold and indifferent, his tone as flat as ever.

Yet Elodie felt her cheeks burning, her chest tight as if she'd taken a blow.

Jarrod's unhesitating choice had rendered her utterly insignificant in front of Sylvie.

He didn't care whether she'd worn the same dress by accident or on purpose.

Sylvie would always come first for him. He only cared about protecting Sylvie's image, never mind Elodie's embarrassment or discomfort.

"It's just a dress, Mr. Silverstein. This is hardly a big deal," Alexander said, his own expression less than pleasant. He shrugged off his suit jacket and draped it over Elodie's shoulders. "Is that better?"

Only then did Elodie lower her gaze, taking a silent moment to steady her breath.

Jarrod glanced at Elodie without emotion. Alexander's jacket covered half the dress now, and Elodie didn't refuse his gentlemanly gesture.

"It's fine, really. It doesn't bother me," Sylvie spoke up first, gracefully turning to the side. "Jarrod, let's go find our seats."

She let the incident go with magnanimous ease.

Jarrod's gaze slid away from Elodie; he simply nodded. "Alright."

The two of them walked off together.

Alexander couldn't help but frown, giving Elodie's back a reassuring pat.

into her palm before shaking her head, voice

now. And she didn't see why

resist a word of warning. "Wearing the same dress doesn't matter, you know.

or a career, it's the person

Elodie didn't understand

and walked

"She's got everyone so

"It's not about right or wrong.

less-than-gracious circumstances; the misunderstandings and prejudices about her had never faded. Once, she'd tried to explain

she just didn't

bystander, he found it hard to bear.

Elodie showed little emotion. She even had the presence of mind to head for the refreshment table to recharge with a

was quieter over

barely arrived when she spotted Queenie, retouching

corner.

was here—if Ivan was invited, she'd be close

to grab a glass of sparkling water and leave, but Queenie spotted her. "Elodie? What are you

"I

Ivan was just saying he

it in stride,

really close as kids," Queenie said, tilting her head and smiling. "Reba said Ivan used to spoil you always sharing the best food

meeting Queenie's bright, inquisitive

should ask Ivan about that," Elodie replied, utterly

just laughed.