How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

A sour taste clung to Elodie's throat, but she couldn't bring herself to throw up. Her stomach twisted in painful spasms, and even the arm braced against the curb trembled uncontrollably.

Jarrod was out of the car in a flash, his long strides eating up the distance. His normally refined features had hardened with concern. He reached Elodie's side even before Esmeralda, crouching next to her and gently patting her back. "What's wrong? Where does it hurt?"

Elodie felt miserable, a sharp pain gnawing at her abdomen. She didn't even have the energy to react to his touch.

Esmeralda rushed over, voice trembling. "Did you eat something bad?"

Jarrod's eyes narrowed on Elodie, a crease forming between his brows. "Let's get you to a hospital."

"No." The word came out as soon as Elodie managed to catch her breath. She practically stopped Jarrod mid-motion as he reached to help her up.

Turning her head, she saw the unusual heaviness in his eyes, his brows drawn tight-an emotion he almost never showed.

Shrugging off Jarrod's hand, she managed to say to Esmeralda, "Just carsick."

She knew perfectly well it was something else—a reaction to all the medication she'd been taking lately. Some of it hit hard, making her nauseous, sometimes even causing that sour burn in her throat. But she'd never let anyone see her like this before.

Jarrod's frown deepened as he looked at her pale, clammy face. "I've never seen you get carsick before. You really should see a doctor."

Elodie gripped Esmeralda's hand for support as she stood. Her eyes were cool, clear. "Thanks for your concern, but I can handle it."

with Jarrod, turning briskly and climbing back into the car. She didn't give him a

to relent. He glanced at Esmeralda. "Do

if Elodie's nausea was her fault for not driving smoothly. She

driver's seat

into

Elodie couldn't help but scowl. "Mr. Silverstein, enjoying your

"Should I

her eyes and ignored

flickered between the two of them. Something felt... off.

quite put her finger

chattering away to Elodie about anything and everything, most of it pure

responding to every topic, no matter how

her well enough to see through her composure. Elodie had always been good at loving-she had a

her home first. Esmeralda was reluctant to leave Elodie alone with him, but Elodie caught her hesitation and reassured her, "It's fine.

finally left, turning back every few steps

fell into silence

the window, her tone flat. "I'm not going to the hospital.

home-I

plan the moment he dropped Esmeralda