Jarrod set down his fork, barely touching his dinner, and stood up abruptly. "I have something to take care of. You all go ahead and eat."


    Without another nce at Elodie, he strode upstairs, his long legs carrying him away in seconds.


    Elodie had caught that inscrutable look Jarrod had given her just before he left. She couldn''t figure out what it meant, but it left a restless ache in her chest. When did he n to tell his grandmother the truth?


    Across the table, Octavia pouted. "Well, if my brother''s not eating, I''m not hungry either." She hopped up, already thinking about her video games, and disappeared to her room.


    Elodie stayed at the table, eating quietly and maintaining herposure. What others thought of her was their business, not hers. There was no point tormenting herself over it.


    She finished her meal in silence.


    When she stood to clear her te, Jarrod''s grandmother caught her hand and sighed, her expression weary but gentle. "Sweetheart, you know how Jarrod is- he''s always been that way. I know you''ve been treated unfairly, but you can trust me, I''m always on your side. I won''t let him break your heart, I promise."


    Elodie felt a pang of guilt seeing the old woman''s worried face. The grandmother had always been kind to her, always hoping they''d work things out and even trying to help Elodie warm Jarrod''s cold heart.


    But it was pointless now.


    He''d given himself-body and soul to another woman. Elodie was done pretending everything was fine. She couldn''t force herself to swallow that bitter pill anymore.


    And with her illness hanging over her like a ticking time bomb, she had no desire to be a burden to anyone.


    "Grandma, I actually came back today because there''s something important I need to tell you." Elodie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I''ll ask Jarrod toe downstairs so we can talk together."


    She couldn''t bear to meet the old woman''s kind eyes any longer and hurried upstairs, her heart pounding as she headed for the bedroom she and Jarrod once shared.


    She paused at the door,posed herself, and knocked politely.


    They needed to have an honest conversation about their divorce.


    No response.


    She knocked again. Still nothing.


    Hesitating, she finally pushed the door open. "Jarrod?"


    She stepped inside and caught sight of him by the window, his back to her. On his phone''s screen, Sylvie''s smiling face beamed back at him-the two of them deep in conversation, lost in the flush of a new romance.


    Jarrod finally turned, the warmth in his handsome features vanishing the instant he saw her. He made no move to hide the video call.


    Elodie froze, her feet rooted to the spot as she met his icy gaze. Her heart clenched painfully in her chest.


    "Ever heard of knocking?" His voice was expressionless, unreadable.


    Even after everything-even with divorce looming-three years of marriage had left their mark. Elodie couldn''t pretend she didn''t care. She forced herself to meet his eyes, her voice calm but edged with hurt. "Are you using me of spying on you again?"


    Like at Mount Serene.


    Did he really think she was up to her old tricks?


    Jarrod''s brow furrowed.


    Suddenly, the door swung open. Octavia grabbed Elodie by the wrist. "What are you doing in my brother''s room? Come on, you''re with me."


    Without waiting for a reply, Octavia dragged her across the hall and into the guest room, standing guard at the doorway with arms outstretched. "I''ve got a bunch of homework problems I need my brother to help me with, so he''ll be busy all night. You should get some rest."


    With that, Octavia mmed the door and ran off.


    Elodie stood in the dim room for a long moment, her limbs stiff with tension before she finally managed to move. Octavia was young-her intentions were written all over her face. She didn''t really need help with homework. She just wanted to keep Elodie away from Jarrod, afraid the two might end up alone together.


    So Elodie waited in silence. Sooner orter, Jarrod would have to talk to his grandmother about the divorce, and she needed to know what his n was.


    At ten o''clock, Elodie nced at her watch. It was time for her medication. She slipped out, heading downstairs for a ss of water.


    As she reached thending, she heard Octavia''s cheerful voice drifting from the kitchen ind: "Don''t worry, Sylvie, I won''t let Elodie get anywhere near my brother. I''ll protect you and him with my life!"


    Elodie paused, her hand tightening on the banister.


    She could hear Sylvie''s light, confidentughter over the phone. "He wouldn''t do that. I trust himpletely."


    Elodie lowered her eyes and quietly stepped back, unwilling to interrupt their exchange.


    Octavia, having grabbed her drink, scampered back to her room.


    Elodie got her water, swallowed her pills, and then squared her shoulders. She strode straight to Jarrod''s room and this time, she rapped firmly on his door.