How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Esmeralda understood what was going on.

Her eyes dimmed, a faint bitterness welling up inside her.

Fleming glanced at Lucy. "How are you getting home?"

Lucy smiled. "The driver's waiting-I'll get a ride, don't worry about me."

At that, Elodie realized Fleming was probably planning to spend the evening with Esmeralda.

She turned to Esmeralda, who clenched her fists a little, trying to steady her nerves.

Elodie felt a twinge of concern. She reached out and ruffled Esmeralda's hair, murmuring, "Whatever you feel tonight, figure it out for yourself before you say anything. The two of you need to talk."

Whether it turned out well or not, only Esmeralda could truly sense it. Even if she, as an outsider, could see Fleming wasn't exactly enthusiastic, Esmeralda's feelings ran deep-no amount of advice could smooth them over.

Esmeralda only half understood.

Alexander stepped forward. Noticing the hope flickering on Esmeralda's face, his gaze softened. In the end, all he said was, "If you need anything, call me, all right?"

Esmeralda waved him off. "I know, you don't have to treat me like a kid."

Alexander left it at that, his eyes briefly sweeping over Fleming before he walked away.

Jarrod, unconcerned with anyone but Elodie, simply took her wrist and led her outside as the group dispersed.

Elodie glanced at his profile, wanting to ask him something-but held back.

and the others leave, the group making their way

gotten into her

grinned, glancing at Esmeralda. "Hey, keeping a fiancée secret from us? That's

"Yeah, pretty cold of you. Didn't even think

uninterested

know my brother-he's always

"He's not

lowered her gaze, smiling quietly, not

to the side, Esmeralda suddenly felt strangely out of

to Lucy-how naturally she fit into Fleming's

she herself had never

never mentioned her, not

the woman he

back at Esmeralda, who stood there, lost in thought. "Let's talk again

had to face Lucy, maybe because Fleming

herself choosing

she could

walked over, helped Lucy into the car, and

her tongue. "Alright, alright, you worry too

was something ordinary

her hands

and Heath got

and

looked at her. "Got

asked made it clear he had no idea how to