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."

obvious she had no intention of talking further with Jarrod, turning briskly and climbing back

lingered by the passenger door for a moment, then seemed to relent. He glanced at Esmeralda. "Do you mind if I drive? I'll take it slow, so she

wondered if Elodie's nausea was her fault for not driving smoothly. She bit her lip. "Fine, but if she

into the driver's seat without missing

climbed into the

but scowl. "Mr. Silverstein, enjoying your new gig

replied, "Should

eyes and ignored him. Thankfully, her nausea didn't

the backseat, Esmeralda's gaze flickered between the two of

her finger

off and started chattering away to Elodie about

played along, responding to every topic,

pale profile. He knew her well enough to see through her composure. Elodie had always been good at loving-she had a rare gift for

first. Esmeralda was reluctant to leave Elodie alone with him, but Elodie caught her hesitation and reassured

left, turning back every few

car fell into silence

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

home-I need

the moment he dropped