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.

matter how exhausting. Even 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

But nobody cared.

was surprised-she couldn't figure out how Elodie had changed so much this year. In the past, Elodie had always played the part, eager to please, staying dutifully by

really cared what Elodie thought

All that mattered was-

you're married, you should be celebrating the holidays with your husband's family. You 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 at the Thorne family's place and have them

or not, Lucinda couldn't care less. The

sorry, I'm busy," Elodie replied,

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

none of this would have anything

momentarily speechless. It took her a while to find her voice

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 she possibly be trying to

else. My grandmother's calling me for dinner. Happy New Year," Elodie said simply, ending

New Year's Eve, after all—she didn't

little episode, Elodie shut her laptop

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