Grandma didn''t catch any hint of emotion in Elodie''s voice; she sounded as calm as ever.


    With her usual concern, Grandma asked, "I was hoping you and Jarrod woulde home for a while. Is the new ce all settled in? Do you need me to arrange someone toe help out?"


    Jarrod owned more than a few properties, and they always just picked whichever suited them at the moment. If needed, Grandma could easily send someone over to help tidy things up.


    But with both of them so busy, it was no surprise the kitchen rarely saw any real


    use.


    Elodie answered gently, "No need, Grandma. We''ve got everything under control."


    "That''s good, then," Grandma replied, but she couldn''t help asking, "But why the sudden urge topletely remodel the ce?"


    It wasn''t like they weren''t living therefortably before. Besides, it had only been three years since thest renovation.


    She remembered clearly how much effort Elodie had put into that house back then.


    Elodie lowered her eyes, her voice turning quiet. "I guess I just wanted to clear out the things I never really liked from before. It''s time for a fresh start."


    But it wasn''t just the house she wanted to change.


    It was those three years-three years that never truly felt like hers.


    As if she''d never really existed there at all.


    Grandma didn''t catch the undertone, instinctively thinking that Elodie was talking about wanting to settle down and build a real life with Jarrod. The idea cheered her up instantly. “That''s the spirit. You two do what you need, but make sure youe home for dinner when you get the chance. And don''t work yourself too hard."


    "I know, Grandma. Please take care of yourself too," Elodie replied, her voice warm but distant.


    After hanging up, she sat quietly, staring at the date she''d circled on the calendar. Her marker tapped lightly against that spot.


    She thought back to the person she used to be.


    When she first decorated their home, she obsessed over every little detail- choosing just the right tablecloth, the perfect vase. Sometimes she''d visit half a dozen stores just to find something that truly felt right, filling the ce piece by piece until it finally felt like home.


    It was nothing like her life growing up with the Harcourt family, where even her own father made her feel like a guest in someone else''s house.


    Maybe it was thatck of belonging as a child that made her so desperate to protect and nurture her marriage with Jarrod.


    But all those hopes from years ago had gradually been smothered by a silence so sharp it almost hurt.


    She set her pen aside.


    Twelve days left-just twelve more days, and the waiting period would finally be


    over.


    Elodie didn''t dwell on it. She quickly turned to herputer, focusing on the next phase of the project that needed her attention.


    Just then, Alexander knocked and stepped in, setting down a box of small pastries on her desk. "The joint research project with the old man''s team is about to start. We''ll be heading to Goldspire for a three-day training. Each partnerpany gets to send one or two tech leads. I''ll go with you."


    Elodie nced at the pastries and smiled. "When do we leave?"


    "Tomorrow afternoon."


    She nodded. "Alright."


    Alexander checked his phone for flights. "I''ll book our tickets now. Esmeralda can stay behind and handle the Nexus Analytics partnership."


    He finished booking, then headed toward the door, opening his messaging app as he walked.


    Suddenly he stopped, frowning, and turned back to Elodie. "Moonlight Garden- that''s the ce you and your ex used to live, right?"


    Elodie looked up. "What about it?"


    Without a word, Alexander handed her his phone. "Your ex is really pulling out all the stops for Sylvie."


    On the screen was a photo Maurice had just posted a wide shot of the old house. To the right, a woman stood with her back turned, gazing up at it.