How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 98

Jarrod withdrew his hand with a faint, indifferent gesture and glanced at the old woman. "Are you satisfied now?"

Relief softened the lines on her face, but she still beckoned a servant, who soon brought over a bowl of medicine. "Drink this tonic, dear. It's good for your health."

Seeing how insistent she was, Jarrod didn't bother to argue. He didn't even ask what was in the cup-just picked it up and downed it in one gulp.

A smile broke across the old woman's face, genuine and pleased. She turned to where Elodie stood, lost in thought. "Elodie? Come here, sweetheart. Let Dr. MacLeod take a look at you. He'll help you feel better."

Jarrod's gaze drifted over as well, slow and unreadable.

Elodie's fingers tightened into her palm.

A lump caught in her throat. "I..."

She couldn't let this happen.

A truly skilled physician could spot any number of hidden ailments. Dr. MacLeod had been treating the old woman for years and was known as one of the best in the country. If she was examined, her secret would surely be exposed.

"What is it, Elodie?" The old woman stepped closer, concern etching her features.

Elodie's lips had gone pale. "Grandma, I'm really fine. There's no need to trouble anyone."

"You've lost weight, darling. I've always worried you weren't taking care of yourself. It's nothing, just a quick check-up. If he prescribes some tonic, it'll only help." The old woman took her gently by the arm, guiding her toward Dr. MacLeod.

Elodie's palms grew slick with cold sweat.

trapped, with no graceful

was discovered, she dreaded to think what might happen-what

for all the world like he was merely an

He met her gaze.

was unchanged, cool

as Elodie stepped in front of Dr. MacLeod, her mind racing with panic, a hand closed around her wrist. A gentle tug, and she stumbled backward,

spoke, his tone calm but resolute. "Grandma, young people are plenty healthy. Really, there's no need to worry about us. We'll

waiting for a reply, he led Elodie

woman watched them

thoughtfully, a knowing smile playing

well, you might have

woman's face lit up with delight. "Wouldn't

after they reached the upstairs hallway, Elodie's heart was

the suffocating tension had

settling onto the sofa with his laptop,

Was he...helping her?

But why?

anything about her health, after

he'd surely notice old injuries— damage that would make having children

up. "If Grandma tries anything like that again and you're uncomfortable, just refuse her

lips

her eyes, voice flat.

did Elodie realize his

actually trying to