How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 144

Lucinda was caught off guard.

She fell silent, turning Elodie's words over in her mind, searching for their deeper meaning.

She knew Elodie's temperament well—always patient, always considerate. Whenever Lucinda asked for something within Elodie's abilities, Elodie rarely refused. That's why, seeing Elodie suddenly stand her ground like this, Lucinda couldn't help but wonder if Elodie had made other plans.

After a moment's hesitation, Lucinda asked, "What's going on? Why didn't you do it? You know perfectly well how much the ladies adore your baking. I specifically asked you to remember and make a few extra batches for gifts each year, didn't I?"

Every holiday, her circle of friends exchanged little presents—an unspoken tradition that kept their social and business ties alive. Elodie's desserts had always been a big hit with them.

For the past few years, Lucinda would have Elodie spend hours baking, packaging up treats to send to each household. They were just some small pastries—time-consuming, yes, but as the Silverstein family's daughter-in-law, wasn't that her duty?

Elodie's gaze remained calm as she looked at the computer screen. "Didn't Jarrod mention I was spending New Year's with my grandmother's family?"

Lucinda's tone was as matter-of-fact as ever.

The truth was, Elodie had never liked it.

All those years, just to maintain these connections, she'd shouldered whatever was asked of her, no matter how exhausting. Even if it was only desserts, it still took hours of her time and effort. Every year, she'd spend an entire day in the kitchen, and by the time she finally went to bed in the early morning, her back and legs were so sore and stiff they barely felt like her own.

But nobody cared.

Lucinda was surprised—she couldn't figure out how Elodie had changed so much this year. In the past, Elodie had always played the part, eager to please, staying dutifully by the Silverstein family's side.

Not that Lucinda really cared what Elodie thought or felt.

All that mattered was—

"Now that you're married, you should be celebrating the holidays with your husband's family. You left without even saying anything—what does that look like? Just now, one of my friends was asking for your pastries again. There's still plenty of time tonight; either come back after dinner with your grandmother, or just make them at the Thorne family's place and have them sent over."

Whether Elodie joined the Silversteins for New Year's or not, Lucinda couldn't care less. The only thing that mattered was what Elodie could offer.

"I'm sorry, I'm busy," Elodie replied, her voice slow but unwavering.