How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 285

"Is it that you can't have children, or just don't want them?" Ivan's words dripped with mockery, though his smile never faltered.

To anyone else, it sounded like nothing more than a brother teasing his little sister.

But Jarrod didn't love Elodie. That much was obvious, even to Ivan. Naturally, if there was no love, there was no reason for Elodie to become a mother. And yet, she stubbornly clung to her battered, crumbling marriage. Ivan found it all unbearably ironic.

Elodie's expression finally shifted, just a fraction.

Ivan had no idea about her health issues-how she might never have children of her own. Yet he chose this moment, in front of everyone, to ask the question. To the others, it sounded like a well-meaning nudge, the sort of "helpful" pressure families sometimes give young couples. But to Elodie, it felt like having an old wound ripped open for all to see: the pain of a loveless marriage, and the deeper ache of knowing she might never have a child.

She understood, of course, that Ivan had done it on purpose. But it was her private matter, and she had no interest in sparring with him here. Besides, the topic was too sensitive-it brushed too close to her marriage and possible divorce, things she couldn't discuss.

Her voice was icy as she replied, "That's really none of your concern, Mr. Harcourt."

Ivan's smile faltered, his

in, placing himself between them, his tone light but his body language protective. "Elodie has always been career-driven. She has a bigger world to conquer, and she's never let herself be defined solely by marriage

gave a noncommittal shrug.

word. He didn't so much as glance at Elodie; his cool, clear gaze remained unchanged, betraying nothing. He sat there,

for a heartbeat before casting a discreet

them. But sometimes, it's the opposite-when a woman isn't loved, the man doesn't even feel the most basic desire for her, let alone want a family together. In those cases, there's

soon drifted away from

the tension, clung to Ivan's arm and grinned at Jarrod and

a soft laugh, her gaze gentle as she glanced at Jarrod. "He does. In fact, he's

mischief as she winked. "Sounds like Mr. Silverstein is making

politely, offering nothing more. Jarrod, who never enjoyed discussing his private life, simply let the