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.”

the last time Elodie had helped him—not out of selflessness, perhaps, but their interests had aligned, and that was enough. He felt compelled to remind her, to make sure she didn't ignore

but managed a

as Elodie and Esmeralda left,

mind? Are you

long finger across his brow, as if to wipe away the concern. "I just hope I'm

bad enough to end up in the ER before, and she was determined not to let it get any worse. A bit of downtime could only

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

with Alexander and the others, making sure every detail was covered, every contingency

who wanted to check on her and asked if Jarrod was taking good care of her. Elodie understood immediately- Jarrod must have told her grandmother he'd been visiting every day. In truth, they hadn't seen each other since the hospital, and he didn't even have her number. Still, she played along: "Yes, he's been

hanging up. Elodie had grown used to these little check-ins; they cost her nothing, and if pretending meant less

could be cured, she'd endure the year-long agreement. If not... well, at

message popped

you've been sick. Feeling any better

and Sylvie's circle, so it wasn't surprising he'd heard the news. What was odd was that he reached out at all; they'd hardly ever spoken before. What