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.

a thought. You're not important to her anymore. Whether your name is on the guest list or not, she doesn't care. Still, if

why bother dressing it up? Do you actually

disdain for him was obvious. This wasn't an invitation-it was a warning, a display of triumph. Ivan saw that clearly. If he did go, he knew it would

the point? To ruin her happiness? To cast a shadow over her perfect

you come or not makes no difference to us. Whether you give your blessing or not, I'm going to make her happy. Mr. Harcourt, you

gripped Ivan's chest, leaving him stunned and

words,

that needed to be said

kindness had never truly helped her; all he'd ever done was

Elodie down with

soaring

in all the wrong ways. That was a mistake he'd

Elodie arrived at her destination, Esmeralda was still

showed her the video Nadia

with excitement and joy Jarrod actually did something this sweet? I

really did

said, "Oh well, there'll be other children." But Jarrod had

That love-puře, determined, and