How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue novel Chapter 58

She was always quiet, keeping mostly to herself, and with him, she was nothing if not politely distant.

Joseph pressed his lips together. "Glad to hear it."

Elodie turned to glance at him. "Is there anything else you need, Mr. Delacroix?"

He caught her meaning and shook his head. "No, that's all. I'll leave you in peace."

After he left, Elodie lingered a while longer, enjoying the solitude. Nights like this, when everything was still, were surprisingly comforting. As the hour grew late, she finally got up, ready to head back into her tent.

The moment she stood, she heard footsteps nearby, and the faint glow of a lantern flickered through the darkness.

A woman's voice, soft and edged with laughter, floated over. "Is this your tent?"

Elodie looked toward the sound.

Sylvie stood arm-in-arm with the tall, broad-shouldered Jarrod. He ducked inside the tent first, with Sylvie following close behind. They disappeared together into the same tent.

They're sharing a tent...

Elodie's gaze flickered, the realization catching her off guard. She hadn't expected that—especially with Jarrod knowing she'd be staying here tonight. He didn't even try to avoid her.

Her fingers tightened around her thermos. She turned and headed back to her own tent.

This was an upscale resort, with every amenity at the highest standard—even the tents were more like luxury suites, complete with soft mattresses, sofas, and a coffee table. She barely felt the chill of the night and slept straight through until morning.

For her, that was something of a luxury.

Stepping out of her tent at dawn, she passed by Jarrod's. Only then did she notice it was already empty—the beds were perfectly made, as if no one had slept there at all.

She didn't think much of it and caught the shuttle to freshen up.

The morning air was crisp and clean, and Elodie felt herself relax for the first time in days.

Inside the powder room, she heard Octavia's voice from one of the stalls, chatting on the phone. "How come I didn't see my brother around?"

Whoever was on the other end said something Elodie couldn't catch.

Octavia laughed, unable to hide her amusement. "You and my brother snuck back to the hotel in the middle of the night? Oh, I get it now…"

Elodie paused, realization sinking in.