Elodie had just finished with the fingerprint scan.


    When the clerk asked for confirmation, she lifted her head, her eyes calm and clear. "Yes, I''m doing this of my own free will."


    Jarrod nced sideways at her, taking in the way her expression seemed almost icily detached. She had never looked so resolute, nor so at ease.


    There was something urgent about her demeanor too—a subtle, restless energy that he couldn''t quite ignore.


    His gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he finally looked away, nodding in silence.


    The clerk noted theck of any outburst or re of emotion between them. No bickering, no raised voices, not even the flush of anger. It was as if two strangers had shown up to untangle a tiresome matter.


    Once the fingerprint and ID information were entered into the system, the clerk pressed the steel stamp down onto the paperwork.


    At that sharp, final sound, Elodie felt something tremble inside her chest-not too heavy, not too light, but unmistakable.


    Snatches of her marriage-every good moment, every bitter one-shed through her mind in a dizzying montage, each memory leaving its mark as if branded on her heart. The memories churned up a storm within her.


    Where she once longed for Jarrod''s love, she now yearned to be free of the endless, exhausting wait. She wanted to escape the prison she''d built around herself.


    Every stage of their rtionship had taken something from her her time, her hope, her heart.


    Only when the certificate confirming the end of their marriage was finally in her hands did Elodie feel the frantic pounding in her chest begin to settle.


    She didn''t look at Jarrod again. She wasn''t interested in his reaction or his face- whether he was relieved or regretful didn''t matter to her anymore.


    Elodie opened her purse, tucking away all the documents from the proceedings. The bag was crammed with receipts and slips, and as she tried to organize them, a few inevitably slipped out and fell to the floor.


    She bent down to pick them up, but Jarrod was already there, stooping beside her. He picked up a folded slip with his left hand, his gaze cool as he nced at the paper.


    Because it was folded, only a few words were visible: "Surgical Procedure-"


    He couldn''t see the full heading, but it was clearly a hospital form.


    He paused, frowning slightly. "Did you visit your uncle?"


    But Elodie snatched the slip from his hand before he could finish. Her face was cold and sharp, her tone cutting. “Mr. Silverstein, I''d appreciate it if you didn''t pry into my private matters."


    Especially now that they were no longer married.


    She didn''t exin or answer further. Of course, Jarrod''s question was understandable-her uncle had been hospitalized for a while and was scheduled for surgery soon, a liver resection and transnt. It was only natural he''d assume the form was rted.


    Elodie gathered her things, turned, and walked out with barely a backward nce.


    Jarrod watched her go, and just as she reached the door, she paused. Looking down at the certificate in her hand, the frosty mask on her face seemed to melt away, reced by the faintest hint of a smile.


    Jarrod caught that fleeting expression perfectly. His eyes were deep and unreadable, betraying no emotion at all.


    He was still standing there when Albin approached. "Mr. Silverstein, do you want


    to walk Ms. Thorne out? She seemed a little off today."


    "That won''t be necessary." He sounded utterly disinterested in the idea of giving his ex-wife a ride.