How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 364

Elodie kept her composure, though her pulse slowed almost imperceptibly. She lifted her eyes and met Elias's gaze; he wasn't pressing, not digging for answers or prying where he shouldn't. He had simply asked, as though passing by a window and glancing out of habit.

She nodded lightly. "Yes, he's gone."

And left it at that.

There was no need to explain what she and Jarrod were to each other, nor to urge Elias not to overthink it.

Sometimes, saying more only made things messier.

He'd already seen what he'd seen-no explanation could change that.

Better to let the subject drop entirely.

Elias, for his part, didn't seem surprised. He understood her meaning; she didn't want to talk about Jarrod, and really, that was her business-there was no reason she owed him any details.

"For the next twenty-four hours or so, things might be a little tough for the family," he said, his tone calm and reassuring, the kind of voice that eased the nerves of anxious relatives. "But considering Mr. Thorne's status here, the hospital will have a private nurse assigned to help out."

Elodie nodded, tension finally beginning to ease after so many hours of waiting for the surgery. "Alright. Thank you. I understand."

Elias checked the time, then glanced at Elodie again. He noticed the slight sheen of sweat at her pale neck-probably nerves, or maybe low blood sugar from not eating.

to the unopened bottle of fruit smoothie she still held-the one he'd given her earlier. "Ms. Thorne, taking care of your loved one starts with

still felt weak, but she understood his point and managed a

reserved as always, then stepped

rounded the corner in the hallway, his long

like Jarrod always busy, never a spare moment-had spent an unusual amount of time

scheduled

Elodie all this time? For what reason? In

Jarrod's date had been Sylvie; everyone there had commented on what a perfect pair they made. Elodie

that, came Jarrod's so-called “accidental"

Elias couldn't help but wonder if that

Elodie called Rosemary.

saw Emile still sleeping peacefully, she finally let out a

in the ICU, so they couldn't go in. All they could do was

ago, but after they broke up, he'd never married or started a family. Now, well into his forties, with no children of his

that evening, there was a knock at the hospital

Eldermere's most renowned catering service stood

"I'm sorry, I didn't

person double-checked. "Are you Elodie-Ms.

still confused. "Yes, that's

Enjoy your meal.” The