How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 438

The elderly lady was still in her study, glasses perched on her nose as she practiced calligraphy.

Jarrod glanced in, noting how energetic she looked. “Have you taken your medication?”

She paused, pen hovering over the paper, and peered at him. “On time, as always. What brings you back so early?”

He shrugged off his coat and leaned against the doorframe with an easy smile. “So I’m not needed around here? Should I start filing a request before visiting you next time?”

She gave a dismissive snort. “Don’t be cheeky.”

Jarrod grinned, undeterred. “Your birthday’s coming up. Have you and Elodie made any plans? It’s only once a year—you should take the chance to relax.”

He spoke unhurriedly, as if nothing could ruffle him. “Not yet.”

She set her pen down completely, folding her hands on the desk. “You’re both always so busy. Why not take a trip? Elodie’s always wanted to visit Switzerland, hasn’t she? You never did take her. It should be beautiful this time of year. And as you young people say, quite romantic.”

The snow season had passed, but cherry blossom time was just as charming.

Jarrod didn’t answer right away, gently reassuring her instead. “I can’t get away from work right now, so we’ll skip the trip. And please don’t call Elodie about it. We’ll make our own plans.”

She shot him a glare. “Busy, busy, busy! Since when is work more important than your wife?”

He only met her gaze quietly, the corners of his lips quirking upward.

She huffed in defeat, finally relenting. “Just... take better care of Elodie, will you? Promise me.”

Jarrod handed her a packet of wipes to clean the ink from her hands. “Alright. I hear you.”

—

The next day.

Elodie received an email: her paper had been officially accepted for publication.

Just as she’d expected. With a submission of that caliber, peer review had gone quickly.