How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

She couldn't worry about the details now-whatever came up, Jarrod would handle it.

By the time Elodie finished her makeup and slipped into her wedding dress, it was already half past ten.

She patted her cheeks, trying to summon some energy.

Jarrod had changed too, now dressed in his tailored suit. He stood tall and striking —she rarely saw anyone pull off a suit quite like he did. The proportions had to be just right; a fraction off either way and the effect would be lost.

Jarrod strolled over, giving her a sidelong glance. "Ms. Thorne, try not to look so hungry. Have some dignity."

Elodie didn't bother feeling embarrassed.

After all these years of marriage, nothing surprised her anymore.

But she had to admit, she'd never stopped appreciating the way he looked.

Suddenly realizing they were pressed for time, she grabbed his arm and tugged him toward the door. "You look awfully relaxed for someone who's about to be late."

Jarrod caught her hand and steered her toward his car. "We're taking this one."

He led her to his Rolls-Royce. Elodie glanced at him, puzzled. “Aren't we supposed to take the wedding car?"

He raised an eyebrow, smirking. "No."

She didn't get it, but she was too tired to argue. With a yawn, she leaned back

closed her eyes, determined to steal a

she felt like a machine

the long, exhausting day ahead made her cherish

work

how weary she looked and joked, "We could always call the whole

"After going through all this trouble? Your grandmother

flickered in Jarrod's eyes, but he didn't seem bothered. "The result would be

there was

affair. She knew for a fact the country's top media outlets had

from powerful families had flown in from

CEO, plus their daughter's christening- everyone knew about it. The whole city was watching. There was

hers as his gaze drifted to

oncher

important I need

eyes snapped open to meet his, catching the hint of a smile in his

in Eldermere's most

location was perfect, surrounded by

fresh snowfall from two days

the mountainside; the

matriarch and her family beamed

small talk with the guests. Esmeralda had

other up, falling silent for a moment—then, as if on cue, they both

rushed to where