How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

When Esmeralda spoke, her voice trembled, her bright eyes shimmering with tears—a look that was equal parts stubbornness and desperate pleading.

She seemed to have staked everything on this; there were no other options left. Fleming's expression darkened.

He simply pressed his lips together, staring at Esmeralda. There was surprise in his gaze, a mix of disbelief and shock.

Esmeralda took a deep breath, wiping her tears away with the back of her hand. A

life was at stake-she couldn't afford to waste another second.

"Fleming, I'm not joking with you. I mean every word. I've never been more

serious. So, I'm begging you."

Letting go of Fleming wasn't something she could do easily.

But now, with Elodie's fate uncertain and their communication down, reaching out

for help had become next to impossible.

This country was always unpredictable. She couldn't take any chances.

Right now, the only way into that restricted zone was from above.

"Fleming, I've never asked you for anything. Just this once-can't you accept my offer and let the engagement be the price?"

She wasn't a fool.

She'd just been lying to herself all this time.

he didn't love

even noticed when she was hurt-what more

stared into her red, humbled eyes for a long, silent

finally stepped forward. "Fleming, this

casting Esmeralda a sidelong glance before

didn't say anything

Esmeralda froze.

changed in

Was Fleming really going?

Esmeralda rushed after him.

striding toward

pounded wildly-caught between a surge of hope and a

ache that left her

Tears spilled uncontrollably.

the conflict zone-but

her, but to escape her-and to

down until she sat on

these years, her failure was plain as

to stop any of it, ran a hand through

back

restraint, he said, "Do you have any idea what the consequences will

Esmeralda didn't know.

point,

home. If they just sat around waiting

sit back and do

was give it everything

The car kept moving.