How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie raised an eyebrow. "They don't know I'm unwell, or about the surgery. This

is an important assignment—I can't just turn it down."

Of course, she'd cooperate if it ever came to that.

Esmeralda knew Elodie's problem was simply that she took on too much

responsibility.

After helping Elodie settle in, Esmeralda finally noticed a man's jacket draped over her bed.

Fleming had tossed it to her earlier.

On their way here, the sun had been relentless. Fleming had handed her his jacket so she could shield herself from the heat.

Remembering this, Esmeralda said quickly, "I'll go return his jacket. You should get some rest."

Elodie didn't answer, but Esmeralda was already halfway out the door.

Watching Esmeralda's retreating figure, Elodie could see the hope radiating from her. Esmeralda had admired Fleming since they were young-her feelings had always burned bright and steady.

The men's quarters weren't far.

Esmeralda hugged the jacket to her chest as she walked, unable to suppress the sense of delight. Fleming giving her his jacket today he really did care, didn't he?

The guys had been assigned two to a room.

As Esmeralda reached their door, she overheard voices from inside.

Fleming's voice, usually so brisk and distant, sounded patient for once. "Don't worry. We got here safely. The place isn't so bad."

Lucy's voice rang out, full of skepticism. "I don't believe you. I bet it's awful over there. Show me your room, come on."

Fleming obliged, turning his phone so she could see.

His roommate, Adrian, piped up with a teasing grin. "What's this? A surprise inspection?"

Lucy just laughed, completely unbothered. "I'm only worried about my brother and you guys having a rough time-this isn't some interrogation."

Adrian nudged Fleming playfully. "You're lucky, man. Having a sweet sister like that—makes life easy, doesn't it?”

Fleming shot him a look. "Knock it off."

Esmeralda hesitated in the hallway, not sure whether to go in or slip away.

Adrian's teasing tone struck her as oddly suggestive-and besides, it

stung a little. Fleming was video-calling Lucy so naturally, checking in like it was second nature. She'd never had anything like that with him. sŵnovel

All those years he was overseas, they'd only spoken on the phone once in a while. Most of the time, he felt worlds away. Never this dose. Never this warm.

Lucy kept chatting, "So, who else went with you?"

At that, Adrian glanced at Fleming

and

kly replied, "No one spectnoveldrama

Just the usual bunch-you them all. Heath's here to

Esmeralda pressed her lips together.

Why dodge the fact that she was there? She was Fleming's fiancée-what was there to hide?

Lucy sighed, "If I weren't sick, I'd have come with you all."

Fleming finally looked at the screen. "Don't be ridiculous. I'll be home soon, once I'm done here."

Adrian couldn't resist another jab. "Wow, strict sister, huh?"

Lucy just grinned at Fleming. "Am I? What if I started dating someone would you keep me on a leash too?"

Fleming set down the shirt he was folding and met Lucy's gaze, steady as ever. "You should get some sleep."

He left the question hanging.

Lucy only smiled wider. "Alright, alright, I'll let you go. Get some rest, both of you."

And just like that, the call ended.

Adrian clicked his tongue and headed for the door. "If Lucy ever really does start dating, would you let her go? I bet you'd—"

He fell silent, spotting Esmeralda standing in the doorway.

Fleming's eyes flicked to the door as well.

He met Esmeralda's gaze without flinching.