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.

feel it-her

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, but she

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

tomorrow would bring... she had

intention of leaving, and didn't try to persuade her. He could understand what she

hours before surgery-so after lunch today, nothing more. This afternoon the nurse will start

a grateful look.

the bottle. "Stay

left, without another

Elias was gone, Elodie glanced at Jarrod

of the warm milk, settling her

she was so exhausted. She hadn't

sofa beside

opened his eyes, every part of

creased in

throat was

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

hand was awkwardly

as

face was tight

caught in

reach out and brush the stray hair

As soon as he tried to move, pain seared through his

eyes and let