How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 144

Lucinda was caught off guard.

She fell silent, turning Elodie's words over in her mind, searching for their deeper meaning.

She knew Elodie's temperament well-always patient, always considerate. Whenever Lucinda asked for something within Elodie's abilities, Elodie rarely refused. That's why, seeing Elodie suddenly stand her ground like this, Lucinda couldn't help but wonder if Elodie had made other plans.

After a moment's hesitation, Lucinda asked, "What's going on? Why didn't you do it? You know perfectly well how much the ladies adore your baking. I specifically asked you to remember and make a few extra batches for gifts each year, didn't 1?"

Every holiday, her circle of friends exchanged little presents an unspoken tradition that kept their social and business ties alive. Elodie's desserts had always been a big hit with them.

For the past few years, Lucinda would have Elodie spend hours baking, packaging up treats to send to each household. They were just some small pastries—time-consuming, yes, but as the Silverstein family's daughter-in-law, wasn't that her duty?

Elodie's gaze remained calm as she looked at the computer screen. "Didn't Jarrod mention I was spending New Year's with my grandmother's family?"

Lucinda's tone was as matter-of-fact as ever.

The truth was, Elodie had never liked it.

if it was only desserts, it still took hours of her time and effort. Every year, she'd spend an entire day in the kitchen, and by the time she finally went to bed in the early morning, her back and legs were so sore and stiff they

But nobody cared.

this year. In the past, Elodie had always played the part, eager to please, staying dutifully

really cared

All that mattered was-

like? Just now, one of my friends was asking for your pastries again. There's still plenty of time tonight;

Silversteins for New Year's or not, Lucinda couldn't care less. The only thing

replied, her voice slow

everything, even on New Year's, to cater to their whims. But

none of this would have anything to do

took her a while to find

loved her son and treasured her place as Mrs. Silverstein; she'd always been cautious and eager to please. How could she possibly be trying to embarrass

calling me for dinner. Happy New Year," Elodie

after all—she didn't want to waste it on a pointless

that little episode, Elodie shut her laptop and

panoramic glass ceiling that offered a stunning view of the city lights and fireworks. The