How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 629

Elodie ended the call and sat in the car for a few moments, lost in thought. Suddenly remembering something, she hurried out and rushed upstairs.

In her bedroom, she tore open drawers and rummaged through boxes, searching frantically for the divorce certificate she'd tucked away. There it was plain black ink on crisp white paper, stamped with an official seal.

How could there possibly be a problem with something so clear, so indisputable?

She sat on the edge of the bed, the divorce certificate clutched in her hand, frozen in place for what felt like ages. Dozens of wild, impossible scenarios flashed through her mind, none of which made any sense.

She didn't want to torture herself with spiraling thoughts. Running a hand through her hair, she exhaled sharply. There was nothing she could do now except wait for Jarrod's call.

Rain began to patter against the windows. Sitting and stewing would only drive her crazy, so she decided to shower, hoping to wash away the anxiety gnawing at her insides.

Again and again, she told herself—there must have been a mistake somewhere in the process. She kept herself distracted, puttering around for nearly three hours.

Still no word from Jarrod.

The silence made her even more anxious. Just as she was about to call him again, a knock sounded at the door.

Elodie stared at the entryway, breath caught in her chest. Only after a moment did she force herself to get up and open the door.

His suit jacket and the collar of his shirt were streaked with

you needed to see

face. She hadn't really believed he'd drop

steady but couldn't hide the way her gaze bore into him. "They said I'm still listed as married. That's got to be a

eyes fixed on her. His expression was unreadable-no

Elodie's heart sank,

aren't you saying anything?" Her voice trembled, raw with fear. He held her gaze steadily. "It's true. We never

it simply, without hesitation. That calm,

down her spine. Suddenly,

first time, she didn't hold back. Her face icy, she lifted her hand and slapped him hard across

sound cracked through the

blow. Slowly, he looked back at

tears burning in her reddened

disbelief and anger. "Jarrod, just tell

And Jarrod had known the

been lying to her, keeping her in the dark with his silence. That was what she couldn't accept, what made her so

with the "birth control

hand, red from the force of the slap and still trembling at her side. How could

down and gently took her hand, pressing his thumb to the burning