How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 321

Elodie had gone without makeup today. After being rushed to the hospital the night before, there was no hiding the exhaustion etched across her face.

“I’m fine now, really,” she said politely.

Elias poured water for everyone before asking, “Did you have any tests done?”

Esmeralda answered for her. “She went to the ER yesterday. They said it was acute abdominal pain.”

Elias’s brow furrowed, thoughtful. Years of medical experience had made him sensitive to details others missed, and Elodie’s gauntness struck him as more troubling than a single episode might explain.

He didn’t press her. Instead, he called Dr. Latham over so they could discuss Emile’s treatment plan with Elodie. She trusted them—Elias was a renowned oncologist, the sort even other specialists consulted.

Once they’d settled everything, Elodie excused herself, not wanting to take up more of their time.

Elias walked her and Esmeralda to the door. His expression was as composed as ever, revealing nothing, but his words were careful and sincere. “Ms. Thorne, you really don’t look well. I’d recommend a comprehensive checkup, just to be safe.”

He still remembered the last time Elodie had helped him—not out of selflessness, perhaps, but their interests had aligned, and that was enough. He felt compelled to remind her, to make sure she didn’t ignore her own health.

Elodie was surprised but managed a smile. “Thank you. I will.”

Elias watched as Elodie and Esmeralda left, lost in thought.

Latham noticed. “What’s on your mind? Are you and Ms. Thorne close?”

Elias snapped back to the present, running a long finger across his brow, as if to wipe away the concern. “I just hope I’m overthinking things,” he murmured.

—

Elodie took Alexander’s advice seriously and stayed home to rest for a few days. She’d never had an episode bad enough to end up in the ER before, and she was determined not to let it get any worse. A bit of downtime could only help.