How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

In that brief moment between movements, there was a sudden knock at the door.

A hotel staff member entered, pushing the door open.

She walked right in on a scene that made her pause in surprise.

Her unexpected arrival completely cut off Jarrod's intentions and actions.

It was a white woman, balancing a tray with chilled drinks-clearly sensing the charged, delicate atmosphere hanging in the air.

She offered an apologetic, knowing smile. "Sorry to interrupt, you two. Just bringing your drinks-sometimes a little wine is just what the evening calls for."

It was obvious that she was unfazed by such situations; she even winked playfully at Elodie.

After setting down the drinks, she turned on her heel and left as nonchalantly as she'd come.

Elodie knew her. The woman seemed easygoing, but in reality, she was one of their security detail for this trip—a formidable bodyguard beneath the friendly exterior.

Jarrod, meanwhile, was left visibly frustrated by the interruption, his expression darkening.

His displeasure was written all over his face.

The woman just smiled and sauntered away, but the mood had been thoroughly broken.

Jarrod's refined features tightened in a slight frown as he considered what to do next.

As he was lost in thought, Elodie offered a gentle, reassuring smile. She leaned in, her left hand caressing his cheek, and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth—a small gesture of comfort.

Jarrod responded to her kiss, instinctively leaning into her touch, the corner of his mouth lifting beneath her lips.

After the brief kiss, Elodie feigned innocence. "I'm really tired. Haven't slept well these past few days."

Ever since she'd been taken away by Watts, she'd barely had any rest, her nerves stretched thin.

Now that she could finally relax, exhaustion washed over her, heavy and irresistible.

Jarrod's concern was obvious. He simply pulled her into his arms. "Go ahead and sleep. I'll wake you when we land."

He wanted to be close to her, of course, but seeing her so worn out tugged at his heartstrings. What else could he do?

Elodie had intended to curl up and sleep on her own, but Jarrod had no intention of letting her go. One long leg tangled around hers, holding her securely.

She was too tired to protest, and just let herself drift off in his embrace-it was surprisingly comfortable.

Fatigue hit her hard and fast.

Jarrod glanced down at her, his palm moving in a slow, soothing rhythm along her back.

Then he picked up a copy of the Financial Times from the seat beside him and began to read.

Elodie had no idea how long she slept.

When she finally stirred, half-awake, she opened her eyes to find Jarrod holding up his phone, snapping a picture of her face.

She caught him red-handed.

Instantly wide awake, she reached out to

Xatch his phone. "Are y

pictures of me? And fret

the

angle, too! Jarrod, let me see."

She cared about her looks, after all.

And in that sleeping position, there was no way she'd look good.

This time, Jarrod simply lifted his arm out of her reach, stood

up,

Cooded her. "Nope. Get

bet

we're landing."

He'd gone from affectionate to cold in a blink, clearly refusing to show her the photo.

He tucked his phone into his pocket. End of discussion.noveldrama

Elodie gritted her teeth in frustration.

Who wanted a terrible photo of themselves to fall into someone else's hands?

But Jarrod was already out the door, leaving her no choice but to get up and follow.

She hadn't realized she'd slept so long; they'd arrived in New York City.

As soon as she stepped off the plane, a crisp, chilly breeze swept over her.

It was late autumn in New York, just on the cusp of winter-temperatures had dropped noticeably.

While Jarrod handled a call to

arrange their driver, he reached back, took Elodie's hand, and

Wol

it into his coat pocket with slipp

own.

It wasn't until they were in the car, settled in the warmth, that Elodie finally felt

herself relax a little.

Her excitement, though, only made her more nervous.

She kept taking deep breaths, trying to steady herself.

Because she was about to see her child.

No words could capture the swirl of emotions inside her-the joy, the anticipation,

the nerves that left her breathless.