How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 321

Elodie had gone without makeup today. After being rushed to the hospital the night before, there was no hiding the exhaustion etched across her face.

"I'm fine now, really," she said politely.

Elias poured water for everyone before asking, "Did you have any tests done?"

Esmeralda answered for her. "She went to the ER yesterday. They said it was acute abdominal pain."

Elias's brow furrowed, thoughtful. Years of medical experience had made him sensitive to details others missed, and Elodie's gauntness struck him as more troubling than a single episode might explain.

He didn't press her. Instead, he called Dr. Latham over so they could discuss Emile's treatment plan with Elodie. She trusted them-Elias was a renowned oncologist, the sort even other specialists consulted.

Once they'd settled everything, Elodie excused herself, not wanting to take up more of their time.

Elias walked her and Esmeralda to the door. His expression was as composed as ever, revealing nothing, but his words were careful and sincere. "Ms. Thorne, you really don't look well. I'd recommend a comprehensive checkup, just to be safe.”

interests had aligned, and that was enough. He felt compelled to remind her, to make sure she didn't ignore her

surprised but managed a

and Esmeralda left,

noticed. "What's on your mind? Are

the present, running a long finger across his brow, as

episode bad enough to end up in the ER before, and she was determined not to

mean she was idle. Even at home, she carved out three hours each day for concept design and requirements analysis on the

the others,

told her grandmother he'd

advice before hanging up. Elodie had grown used to these little check-ins; they cost

cured, she'd endure the year-long agreement. If not...

popped

you've been sick. Feeling any better

wasn't surprising he'd heard the news. What was