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.

exhausting. Even if it was only desserts, it still took hours of her time and effort. Every year, she'd spend

But nobody cared.

the past, Elodie had always played the part, eager to please, staying dutifully by

really cared what Elodie thought or

All that mattered was-

left without even saying anything-what does that look like? Just now, one of my friends was asking for your pastries again. There's still plenty of time tonight; either come back after dinner with your grandmother, or just make them

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

I'm busy," Elodie replied, her voice slow but

always expected her to drop everything, even on New Year's, to cater to their whims. But Elodie was done neglecting herself for

none of this would

her a while to find her voice again. "Elodie, what's

believe Elodie was defying her or talking back-Elodie wouldn't dare. Elodie loved her son and treasured her place as Mrs. Silverstein; she'd always been cautious and eager to please. How could

grandmother's calling me for dinner. Happy

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

Elodie shut her laptop and headed

that offered a stunning view of the