How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 248

Jarrod stood a short distance away, draped in a loose black shirt that blended him into the dim light. With long fingers, he held a cigarette, but never actually lit it, letting it dangle idly between his knuckles.

The space between them wasn't exactly close.

From where she stood, Elodie couldn't quite make out his expression.

Still, the atmosphere had shifted-grown tense and complicated.

Elodie, however, managed to keep her composure. She didn't think she'd said anything particularly wrong.

Well, except for that slip of the tongue-calling him "husband." She shouldn't have said that.

Sylvie had also noticed Jarrod lingering nearby. Instinctively, her brows drew together. She turned to Selma and said, “Mom, let's head inside."

Sylvie still thought Elodie's remark was completely out of line.

But she wouldn't stoop to arguing with Elodie-she had too much self-respect for that.

Only those lacking confidence feel the need to loudly defend their pride.

Selma caught sight of Jarrod and her face flickered with something unspoken before she smiled and called out, "Jarrod, come in and join us soon, will you?" She didn't want Jarrod spending any more time than necessary near his ex-wife.

Selma

daughter was the one who truly belonged by

Jarrod nodded in acknowledgment.

Sylvie shot Elodie a contemptuous glance, lips curling in a cold, dismissive smile before she and Selma disappeared

She watched Jarrod approach, eyes wary, ready to step in if he tried anything

with icy calm. "Is there something you

his gaze lowered and unreadable. Whether out of curiosity or something else, he didn't seem angry or confrontational. "Since when

that to be his opening

be upset about Sylvie

eyes and a faint, indifferent smile. "You're more willing to speak your mind these

line in the sand,

his gaze,

a slow smirk tug at his lips. "There's no one else around today, so it

little comment might have

trace of anger-just a calm surety, as though

remembered the clause in their agreement: if she broke the rules, she'd owe him whatever reasonable compensation he

Was this a warning?

a steady breath, her voice tight. "You're

dragging out this conversation. “About Mrs. Raleigh's birthday dinner-we shouldn't go together. I hope