How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"Has the surgery been scheduled yet?" Jarrod's voice was low, his Adam's apple bobbing as he finally asked.

Elias thought for a moment. "There was a date discussed before. She's free now, so we can go ahead whenever she's ready."

Jarrod glanced up at him, his gaze intense and unyielding. "Did she talk to you about which option she wants?"

Elias recalled Elodie's demeanor from earlier and could guess at her thoughts. "Given what she's said, I think she might want to take the risk."

"Can you just remove her uterus straightaway?"

Jarrod's words cut through the air, abruptly silencing Elias.

Elias blinked in surprise, turning to look at him. Only then did he realize how unwavering Jarrod's eyes were, as if nothing in the world could ever matter more than Elodie.

Elias suddenly understood him, narrowing his eyes. "Mr. Silverstein, are you trying to decide for her?"

"What could possibly matter more than keeping her safe?" Jarrod braced his fist against the wall, standing up straighter. Even though his voice was hoarse, there was no room for negotiation in the way he spoke.

He couldn't allow even the slightest chance that something might happen to Elodie.

was saying. If the operation failed, Elodie probably wouldn't have

final stages; even the smallest trauma

himself hating his

to touch her that night on the

the one who'd led Elodie to

her better than anyone. Despite her cool exterior, she was gentle at heart. She didn't have much family, barely any real sense of belonging. In Elodie's eyes, perhaps the only person she could

exactly how much

could picture her-Elodie, willing to risk everything for even the

man

head of the

the future of his own

for her as a physician-choose the treatment that gives her the best chance, regardless of what she tells you. And let

hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Of

up Elodie's IV

cold hands, then sat down by her

now, in this quiet moment, did he let his guard down. Inch by inch, he reached