Jarrod''s intentions couldn''t have been clearer.


    His wordsnded softly, but the sting they left behind was sharp and unmistakable.


    Ivan fell silent, suddenly andpletely.


    He stared at the invitation in his inbox.


    The anger and resentment that had been burning in his eyes slowly faded, leaving behind only resignation—a helplessness so deep he couldn''t even fight it.


    Ever since he''d learned that Elodie, not someone else, had been the one to save him all those years ago, he''d known the truth deep down.


    There was no going back for them. Not ever.


    Still, he clung to those foolish hopes, those impossible dreams.


    He''d let Elodie down-failed her in every way, whether as family or something more. He had no right to linger in her life, no right to burden her with his regrets.


    He nced at the little airne keychain on his desk—the one Elodie had crafted by hand and given to him. He''d once shown it off to Queenie Jett, wanting Elodie to notice, but in the end, he couldn''t help but take it back for himself.


    "Did Elodie ask you to send the invitation?" Ivan asked quietly, eyes fixed on that tiny airne.


    "No," Jarrod answered without hesitation. "The truth is, Elodie hasn''t spared you a thought. You''re not important to her anymore. Whether your name is on the guest list or not, she doesn''t care. Still, if you really want to attend, Mr. Harcourt, my wife and I would do our best to wee you."


    Ivan let out a bitterugh. "Mr. Silverstein, why bother dressing it up? Do you actually want me there?"


    Jarrod''s disdain for him was obvious. This wasn''t an invitation-it was a warning, a disy of triumph. Ivan saw that clearly. If he did go, he knew it would only sour Elodie''s special day.


    What would be the point? To ruin her happiness? To cast a shadow over her perfect wedding?


    Jarrod looked straight ahead, his expression unreadable. "Whether youe or not makes no difference to us. Whether you give your blessing or not, I''m going to make her happy. Mr. Harcourt, you should have realized by now that you''re just you. You''re not that important."


    Pain gripped Ivan''s chest, leaving him stunned and speechless.


    With those final words, Jarrod hung up.


    Everything that needed to be said had been said.


    Jarrod wanted van to see, once and for all, that he had no ce in Elodie''s life-never had, and never would. Those brief moments of childhood kindness had never truly helped her; all he''d ever done was bring her pain and trouble, all while convincing himself he was acting out of love. It was selfish, always had been.  s


    Even at their lowest-through divorce and heartbreak-Ivan had never dragged Elodie down with him. Deep down, he''d always wanted the best for her. He


    wanted her free, unburdened, soaring as high as she wished.


    But he''d misread her heart, and tried to hold on in all the wrong ways. That was a mistake he''d never forgive himself for.


    When Elodie arrived at her destination, Esmeralda was still busy with a fewst- minute details.


    Elodie showed her the video Nadia had sent.


    Esmeralda pped her hands over her face and squealed, her whole face lighting up with excitement and joy Jarrod actually did something this sweet? I take back every bad thing ever called him. Only @man with resources could pull this off!"  s


    Money really did make miracles happen.


    Most men, she thought, would have just shrugged and said, "Oh well, there''ll be other children." But Jarrod had done everything possible to save this one. What reason could there be, other than love?<fnce6a> Official source is F?nd-Novel</fnce6a>


    That love-pu?e, determined, and


    real-had led Jarrod to fight for the child, even when he didn''t know Elodie''s itness meant shel


    him,


    never have another Because Elodie still had hope. Because of him, they had a future. How could


    that not be fate, or proof of how much he cared?  s


    Elodie stroked the tiny face in the video on her phone, her gaze warm and gentle.


    "That''s why I''m honestly grateful to him.”


    It was Jarrod who''d made her believe in life again.


    He''d given her back a little life, a little hope.


    Esmeralda threw her arms around Elodie and nuzzled her cheek. "Elodie, I know


    you''re going to be so happy."