How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Jarrod's intentions couldn't have been clearer.

His words landed softly, but the sting they left behind was sharp and unmistakable.

Ivan fell silent, suddenly and completely.

He stared at the invitation in his inbox.

The anger and resentment that had been burning in his eyes slowly faded, leaving behind only resignation—a helplessness so deep he couldn't even fight it.

Ever since he'd learned that Elodie, not someone else, had been the one to save him all those years ago, he'd known the truth deep down.

There was no going back for them. Not ever.

Still, he clung to those foolish hopes, those impossible dreams.

He'd let Elodie down-failed her in every way, whether as family or something more. He had no right to linger in her life, no right to burden her with his regrets.

He glanced at the little airplane keychain on his desk—the one Elodie had crafted by hand and given to him. He'd once shown it off to Queenie Jett, wanting Elodie to notice, but in the end, he couldn't help but take it back for himself.

"Did Elodie ask you to send the invitation?" Ivan asked quietly, eyes fixed on that tiny airplane.

anymore. Whether your name is on the guest list or not, she doesn't care. Still, if you really want to attend, Mr. Harcourt, my wife and I would do our

why bother dressing it up? Do you actually want

triumph. Ivan saw that clearly.

To ruin her happiness? To cast a shadow

give your blessing or not, I'm going to make her happy. Mr. Harcourt, you should have realized by now that you're just you. You're

Ivan's chest, leaving

words,

that needed to be said had been

wanted van to see, once and for all, that he had no place in Elodie's life-never had, and never would. Those brief moments of childhood kindness had never truly helped her; all he'd ever done was bring her pain and trouble, all while convincing himself he

at their lowest-through divorce and heartbreak-Ivan had never dragged Elodie down with him. Deep down, he'd always wanted the best

free, unburdened, soaring as high

he'd misread her heart, and tried to hold on in all the wrong ways. That was

Elodie arrived at her destination, Esmeralda was still busy with a few

showed her the video

face lighting up with excitement and joy Jarrod actually did something this

really did

other children." But Jarrod had done everything possible to save this one.

That love-puře, determined, and