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.

shirt were streaked with wet patches. He

you needed to

hadn't really believed he'd drop everything

tried to keep her voice steady but couldn't hide the way her gaze bore into him.

on her.

instant, Elodie's heart sank, heavy and inexplicably

fear. He

simply, without hesitation.

along and never letting on-sent a chill down her spine. Suddenly, every bit of effort she'd spent

Her face icy, she lifted her hand and slapped him hard

cracked through

blow. Slowly, he looked

tears burning in her reddened

with disbelief and anger. "Jarrod, just tell me what's real anymore? You knew about this. Why didn't you tell

weren't divorced. And Jarrod had known the

been lying to her, keeping her in the dark with his silence. That was what

that incident with the "birth control pills" or this-he'd only

lowered his gaze, noticing her hand, red from the force of the slap and still trembling at her side. How

down and gently took her hand, pressing his thumb