How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie's eyes flickered as she finally remembered the date for her surgical procedure had arrived, rescheduled because of the new treatment plan.

It was right in this window of time.

Jarrod was injured too, still far from recovered.

Elias walked over, taking a moment to assess Jarrod's condition. He already had some idea of what had happened before he came in.

Jarrod's injuries were serious.

A broken rib had punctured his lung; naturally, he'd need a long period of rest and recovery.

Elias lowered his gaze to Elodie. Beyond her arm in a cast, her face was drawn and pale, the look of someone who'd recently been ill. Her cheeks were flushed with fever, but her overall complexion was ashen and exhausted.

Her hand, resting on the side of the bed, trembled-likely from having barely eaten.

"You haven't had anything to eat?" he asked quietly.

Elodie realized she hadn't. She'd gone straight to Silverstein Group headquarters without stopping for anything.

Now she was beyond tired, running on empty.

Elias was silent for a moment. Then he pulled a still-warm bottle of sweetened milk from his coat pocket and set it beside her hand.

"You need to rest," he said. "Tomorrow's surgery can't afford any more surprises."

Elodie knew he was right; her condition was truly poor.

surgery, she could feel

the operating table right when Jarrod was so badly hurt, but there was no delaying it any longer. Even if Jarrod woke up, he wouldn't be in any shape to worry about her,

preparations. We'll do it on schedule tomorrow," Elodie exhaled shakily. She had to face it,

for what tomorrow would bring...

saw that Elodie had no intention of leaving, and didn't

food for twenty-four hours before surgery-so after

a grateful look. "Thank

bottle. "Stay

he left, without

Elodie glanced at

of the warm

hadn't slept

up on the sofa beside

his eyes, every

brow creased

was painfully

head and saw her-curled up on the loveseat in the VIP room,

hand was

cheek, as

Her delicate face was tight with worry,

breath caught in his

wanted to reach out and brush the stray hair from her

his body was too tightly bandaged. As soon as he tried to move, pain

eyes and