How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Chapter 676

Elodie retreated to her room to rest, no longer bothering to concern herself with Jarrod. She'd said everything that needed saying. Now that he knew, she saw no reason to hide her next steps from him.

Jarrod sat in the living room for a long while, his gaze fixed on the gardenia in the vase on the table. Time slipped by unnoticed, until the insistent buzzing of his phone in his pocket finally dragged him back. He checked the screen: several work calls, and one from overseas.

He stepped out onto the balcony to return the international call. By the time he finished and came back inside, it was nearly midnight.

Elodie still hadn't eaten.

He wandered into the kitchen and glanced around. Elodie always took good care of herself he could see plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables neatly arranged in the fridge. Years of studying abroad in Verdania had forced him to pick up some basic cooking skills, but this was different: Elodie was pregnant now, so he'd have to be extra careful.

Before starting, he scrolled through tutorials and read up on what was best for expectant mothers-how to supplement nutrition, what could ease morning sickness, and other advice. He knew her tastes well enough, and the fridge was stocked with her favorites, making the task feel easy, almost second nature.

He prepared a wild mushroom and black truffle soup, then whipped up a tangy- sweet blueberry compote to drizzle over a creamy root vegetable mash. When everything was ready, Jarrod took off his apron and quietly made his way to Elodie's bedroom. He eased the door open-she was asleep, facing away from him, completely unguarded.

beside the bed, simply watching her face for a moment, then letting his

woke as soon as he entered, opening her eyes.

favorite." He reached for her wrist, but she slid away from his touch,

I think I've

lowered. "But what does that have to do

to eat?" He reached for her hand again, and this

she stepped into the kitchen, she was greeted by the fresh, sweet aroma of the food. She recognized the blueberry-topped mash instantly-a dessert Jarrod had made for her a few years

to do this," Elodie murmured, a faint sigh

bound to feel uncomfortable during this time," he said softly. "Let me take care of

remained unmoved. "Jarrod, did you even hear what I said to

things through," he said. "You can use that time see if I'm fit to be a father. When you're ready,