How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Elias could see the bitter self-mockery and weariness in Jarrod's expression. For a man like him to look that defeated-it spoke volumes.

Jarrod's Adam's apple bobbed as he clenched his fists, head bowed, his whole body seeming to buckle under exhaustion and the force of what had happened. Every breath he drew felt like glass stabbing his chest.

He lowered his eyes, lips twisting into a silent, self-deprecating smile.

There was a dull, hopeless ache in his gaze, as if the last spark had been snuffed

out.noveldrama

He didn't say a word.

A suffocating aura radiated from him, so cold and sharp it made the air hard to breathe.

But Esmeralda's mind was racing.

She didn't bother explaining anything to Jarrod. Instead, she walked straight up to

Elias. Jarrod was lost in his own world by then, oblivious to everyone and everything around him.

"Dr. Warwick, could I ask you for a favor..." She met Elias's eyes, her meaning unmistakable.

Elias understood immediately.

Esmeralda didn't want him involved in Elodie's affairs-didn't want him telling Jarrod anything about her condition.

He nodded slightly.

After all, this was Elodie's business. He had no intention of interfering in someone else's private matters.

He checked his watch. "I have another surgery scheduled. If Elodie wakes up, come find me anytime."

He'd already disposed of the syringe he'd taken from Elodie.

The contents had been confirmed.

It was extremely dangerous for a pregnant woman.

Once Elodie was out, he'd need to talk to her.

He still didn't know the situation in the exam room, but the hospital had been notified and it was now in their hands. All that remained was to wait for the outcome.

"Thank you," Esmeralda replied, her feelings mixed and heavy.

They hadn't planned to operate today. None of this was expected.

Elias hurried off.

Esmeralda turned and caught sight of Jarrod, silent and unmoving across the room.

His features were shadowed, a deep gloom

Stanceg his eyes. Even f

broken

, she could sense ho

and stifled he was

Whatever had happened with Elodie had clearly hit him hard.

The surgery dragged on far longer than expected.

Esmeralda's nerves were stretched thin with worry.

A procedure like this should have taken no more than half an hour.

Jarrod, on the other hand, sat perfectly still, lost in thought, not moving an inch.

When it was finally over, nearly ninety minutes had passed.

Two surgeons emerged, still in their scrubs and masks. The moment they stepped into the hallway, Jarrod snapped out of his trance, immediately rising to his fee and hurrying over.

Both doctors' eyes found Jarrod.

One spoke first. "Everything went smoothly."

Jarrod didn't respond, red veins threading his eyes as he stared at Elodie, who was being wheeled out behind them.

He walked forward on heavy legs, looking down at her still-unconscious face, unable to name the storm of emotion inside him.

Was it pain that dominated, or helplessness?

Esmeralda's heart pounded as she stepped forward, her voice trembling. "The baby..."

One of the doctors looked at her. "We'll take care of it."

Some things didn't need to be spelled out.

Esmeralda's eyes filled with tears.

She ached for Elodie.

Only she knew how much agony Elodie had endured.

Jarrod swallowed hard, numb, following the gurney down the hall to the recovery room.

Once Elodie was settled, he sat by her bedside, his eyes never leaving her face.

Esmeralda saw the bitter irony etched into Jarrod's features.

She took a deep breath before speaking. "Jarrod, you don't need to watch her like that, or blame her in

your heart. If things got this ne

between you, you played your part you're the last person who has any right to judge her."

Some things needed to be said.

She didn't care whether Jarrod would be angry. She said her piece, then turned

and walked out.