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.

the miscarriage surgery, she could feel it-her body was running

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 knew

Please go ahead and start preparations. We'll do it on schedule tomorrow," Elodie exhaled shakily. She had to

tomorrow would bring...

had no intention of leaving, and didn't

after lunch today,

gave him a grateful look. "Thank

bottle. "Stay with him for a

left,

Elodie glanced at Jarrod

the warm

She hadn't slept at all the night

curled up on the sofa beside the hospital

his eyes, every part

creased

was painfully

head and saw her-curled up on the loveseat in the

hand was

her cheek, as if she

face was tight with worry,

breath caught in his

to reach out and brush the

As soon as he tried to move, pain seared through

eyes and let