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.

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

Silverstein, why bother dressing it up? Do you

invitation-it was a warning, a display of triumph. Ivan saw that clearly. If he did go,

happiness? To cast a

difference to us. Whether you give your blessing or not, I'm going to make her happy. Mr. Harcourt, you should have

Ivan's chest, leaving him stunned

final words, Jarrod

that needed to be said had been

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

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

her free, unburdened, soaring as

in all the wrong

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

the video

and squealed, her whole face lighting up with excitement and joy Jarrod actually did something this sweet? I take back every bad thing ever called

really did make

she thought, would have just shrugged and said, "Oh well, there'll be other children." But Jarrod had done everything possible to save this

That love-puře, determined, and