How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 122

Ivan narrowed his eyes. "Well then, I'll leave Elodie in your care, Mr. Silverstein."

Elodie frowned, uneasy. There was something strange about the way he said that.

Jarrod, on the other hand, showed no particular reaction. "Of course. It's only right."

He looked every bit the picture of composed dignity-so much so, it was impossible to tell whether he meant any of it.

Ivan hesitated, glanced at Elodie once more, then turned and left-off to meet his girlfriend.

Elodie found herself caring about this third anniversary more than she expected. It was, after all, a true farewell. She didn't need to stay up all night, but her thoughts had been restless lately, and she actually felt steadier with her mother close by. Tonight, she planned to keep vigil at the memorial.

By the time she'd finished seeing Esmeralda off, dusk had settled.

What surprised her most was that Jarrod hadn't left.

She sat quietly in front of the memorial altar, Jarrod at her side. When she looked

over, he met her gaze, his voice cool and even: "I'll stay with you."

in his tone, but his actions spoke

"I'm staying all night,

"I know."

watch, calm as ever.

unreadable smile tugged at his lips as he spoke, giving their

was caught off guard. Was he... not planning to be with Sylvie tonight? Did he

She didn't understand his motives, so she simply turned away and said

stiff arms and legs. When she turned, she saw Jarrod still there, hunched over his iPad, brow furrowed, but steadfastly keeping her

divorce meant he owed her nothing, and she wasn't unreasonable. Truthfully, Jarrod felt

very least, she could be

poured him a glass of water, setting

you're here, I'd like you to come with me later to talk to Grandma about... us." That was her real reason for letting

flicked to the water glass, but before he could

glanced at the screen out of

Sylvie.

to hide the caller, and answered. "What's

He stood up at once. "I'm on

looked at Elodie. "Something's come up. I