How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

"Elodie, your life is just beginning. Whether you get married or have children, none of that dims your brilliance. Whatever you choose, I know it'll be the right decision."

Just as those words slipped out, Lily appeared in the doorway and caught the scene. She stopped instinctively, biting her lower lip without even realizing it.

Watts was always so attentive to Elodie-attention he never spared for anyone else.

Noticing Lily, Elodie glanced over, and only then did Lily step forward. As she got closer, she realized just how unwell Elodie looked. Even with makeup, she seemed exhausted, her energy dulled. Lily remembered Elodie had taken some time off lately, and now it was clear she was still unwell.

Frowning, Lily asked, "If you're feeling sick, why did you come back so soon?"

Honestly, Elodie looked like a strong breeze might knock her over-Lily herself was sturdier by comparison.

Elodie managed a thin smile. “Just came to see how you're getting on. Maybe find a few things to nitpick."

Lily crossed her arms, immediately indignant. "I'm thorough with my work! Good luck finding something to criticize."

She gave a little huff, then added, "Actually, it's good you're here. We're supposed to test those samples today and report the results."

That was, in fact, Elodie's responsibility. Still, after everything that had happened, returning to work felt oddly surreal. But she didn't shy away-if it had to be done, she'd do it well. "Alright, let's go."

Watts, realizing Elodie had no intention of answering his earlier question, simply let it go. "Take care on the way."

Elodie nodded, her expression subdued, and turned to the car.

Watching Elodie's frail figure retreat, Lily couldn't shake a strange feeling. She was about to follow when Watts shifted his gaze from Elodie and looked at her.

"We don't have each other's contact info, do we?"

Lily froze, her ears turning bright red. "Are you... asking for my number?"

Watts looked mildly surprised, then just smiled. "Sure, if that's okay. Our departments will need to coordinate more going forward."noveldrama

Lily suddenly understood-he meant for work. Her question had come out so quickly, it sounded like Watts was asking her out, not asking for her number for professional reasons. Embarrassment hit her like a wave; she wanted to disappear on the spot.

"Oh... right, of course. I'll scan your code."

They exchanged contact info, and Lily dashed off, cheeks burning.

When she rejoined the group, Jeremiah was still there to meet them. As they approached the main entrance, Élodie spotted Jarrod coming their way. He was reading over some documents, a small group trailing behind, and didn't seem to notice them as he passed.

Elodie didn't call out to him, nor did Jarrod look up.

But Lily, still holding onto the memory of their last argument, couldn't resist. "Mr. Silverstein, didn't you see your wife?"

Her call made Jarrod pause mid-step. He glanced over his shoulder, lifting his gaze just enough to meet Elodie's eyes across the hall.

It had been days since they last saw each other, and Elodie still hadn't regained her strength. Their eyes met, but she didn't show any particular emotion, nor did she seem inclined to speak.

For a brief moment, Jarrod's gaze lingered on her. Then, with a polite nod to the senior staff nearby, he turned and walked away, saying nothing more-offering no hint of what he might be feeling.