How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elodie couldn't help but look at him, puzzled.

Jarrod closed the door behind him and strode over without a word. He plucked the bag from her hands before she could react.

She reached out to snatch it back but was too slow. Frowning, she demanded, "Jarrod, what are you doing?"

Ignoring her irritation, Jarrod set the bag aside and took hold of her wrist. "Come with me. To the master bedroom."

Elodie's mind immediately jumped to a suspicious conclusion, and she shot him a wary look. "You're not thinking-"

She stopped herself, pressed her lips together, and said firmly, "I have to pack. Don't start with your nonsense. I'm not in the mood for distractions."

Especially not now.

He was still recovering, after all.noveldrama

She certainly wasn't about to let him get away with anything reckless.

Only then did Jarrod pause. Amusement flickered in his eyes as he stepped closer, feigning innocence. “Nonsense? What's the problem? Is that not allowed between husband and wife?"

Elodie backed away, her scalp tingling with anxiety. She gave him a warning glare. "Are you trying to make your recovery take even longer? The doctor said you're not supposed to do anything strenuous, let alone-well, you know. You're supposed to be resting, not thinking about... that."

Jarrod gazed at her, the curve of his lips deepening, laughter lurking in his eyes. "Oh?"

"I just wanted to help you pack. Does that count as 'strenuous activity' now?" Elodie was momentarily speechless, staring at him in disbelief.

"Packing's off-limits too?" Jarrod looked perfectly innocent. Then, as if something had just occurred to him, his eyes widened in mock realization. "Wait, is that what you meant? Were you thinking I was talking about, you know... marital exercise? Ms. Thorne, what exactly is going on in that head of yours?" Elodie: "..."

He had to be doing this on purpose.

Jarrod's gaze flicked up and down, eyebrow arching slightly. He reached out and gently patted her on the head, as if trying to soothe her. "Maybe you should try to hold back a little, hmm? After all, I have to follow doctor's orders."

He grinned, mischief dancing in his eyes. "But if you really can't help yourself, I guess I could make the sacrifice and join you."

Elodie: "..."

Heat rushed to her ears. She knew perfectly well he was teasing her, but there was no way to win against him—any protest would just make things worse.

She was practically fuming, desperate to brush past him and escape.

This man—she never could get the upper hand with him.

Jarrod's lips quirked as she tried to move past him, but he didn't let go of her hand. "No need to head back to your apartment. Everything you need is already here."

He led her toward the master bedroom.

Elodie shot him a sidelong glare but let herself be guided.

The master bedroom had its own spacious walk-in closet. When she'd moved out of their marital home before, Elodie had only taken a few essentials, leaving nearly everything else behind.

She'd always assumed Jarrod would have thrown her things out by now, but as she stepped inside, she saw everything neatly arranged, just as she'd left it.

Every item she needed was still there.

Jarrod brought her over to the bed and gently nudged her to sit. "Stay put. Tell me what you need and I'll pack it for you. The weather in Solcrest is warm and humid, so you't need to get used to it for a few days. I'll make sure you have all your medication and anything else you need."

Elodie stood up at once. "You're barely more recovered than I am.”

Jarrod raised a brow. "That's

different. Packing your clothes is hardly strenuous, and honestly, I take a certain satisfaction in doing it. Sit down and relax-I travel all the time, I know exactly what to bring. I might even be more thorough than you."

Besides, Elodie had only just recovered from an illness.

He wanted to make sure everything was perfect.

Elodie knew how stubborn Jarrod could be, so she simply sat back down.

With the closet door open, she had a

clear view of him inside, carefully picking out her clothes. He matched each piece with meticulous care Outerwear, inner layers, even accessories. Jarrod had always had impeccable taste; his sense of style was second to none. With him in charge, she truly had nothing to worry about.