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.

the others leave, the group making their

into

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

of you. Didn't even think to introduce

uninterested

know my brother-he's always so

shook his head in mock disbelief. "He's not reserved with you. Spoils you

gaze, smiling

off to the side, Esmeralda suddenly felt

just how close everyone was to Lucy-how

she herself had

had never mentioned her,

was the woman he was about

her car, she looked back at Esmeralda, who stood there, lost in thought. "Let's talk again soon. I'll leave you to it-have my

maybe because Fleming

choosing her

she could

helped Lucy into the car, and leaned in. "Text me when you get

stuck out her tongue. "Alright, alright, you worry

them was something ordinary siblings rarely

curled her hands into

Heath got into their own

Fleming and Esmeralda

her. "Got

asked made it clear he had