How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Hearing those words from Jarrod's lips—those three simple words—used to be all

she ever dreamed of.

But now, when they came so suddenly, Elodie, even as she could see the

sincerity in his eyes, still found herself stunned. Jarrod didn't give her time to think

or react. He held her hand, his thumb brushing gently across her skin, and spoke

each word with care, "For the best chance at recovery, your uterus... Let's remove

it, alright?"

He paused, took a breath, and continued, "Let's not get divorced, okay? I'll make

sure you get the very best treatment, I'll find the top specialists in the world for

you. I won't let anything happen to you. Whether or not you can have children in

the future... it doesn't matter to me. I've never cared about whether you could

bring me any 'value' that way. All I want is for you to be healthy. This time, please

—just listen to me, alright?"

He tried to soften his voice, his gaze almost pleading, because he couldn't bear

the risk of any more setbacks or tragedies. The thought of Elodie suffering

through a painful recurrence was unthinkable.

Elodie was quiet for a long while. The truth was, she hadn't made her decision

yet. When it's your own body, hesitation comes naturally. Once, she might have

just felt heartbroken but would have decided quickly: just take it out. But after

that child who never got to be born, she was left

feeling clung to her, pulling at

the bed, suddenly feeling powerless

about

her closely, easily sensing her sorrow. But Elodie didn't want

eyes, trying to

he saw

whispered, almost too softly to hear,

won't deny the pain I've caused you.

bit more time. If I could, I'd trade

better, so she

grateful to Jarrod

them from seeing her

didn't want to frighten her

to Rosemary's old family estate.

so he didn't intrude. He lingered

into his car and heading straight

Mansion.

but as for

idea of what he needed to

to give the family matriarch an update

no avoiding a visit.

courtyard,

recognize parked out front.

crossed the

strides and entered

As he'd suspected,

parlor was Patricia,

Lucinda and the

arrival, Patricia turned, arching an eyebrow at him

smile. "You're back?"

Patricia. He stood up to pour

tea, his gaze warm as he handed

after reconciling things