Outside, fireworks blossomed against the inky night sky. Elodie glanced up, watching the bursts of color fade before turning to see Rosemary and Emile nearby, capturing the moment on video.

She could feel the old woman’s concern for her, warm and genuine.

If it weren’t for her grandmother shielding her these past years, life in the Silverstein family would have been even harder.

“Grandma, we didn’t argue,” Elodie said softly. “You know how it is—Jarrod and I hardly ever fight.”

Most of their issues simmered in silence.

After all, arguments require some spark of feeling. But all Jarrod had for her was cold indifference, maybe even contempt.

For a moment, her grandmother was at a loss for words.

She understood. Even the closest couples have their share of squabbles— especially after years of marriage. Weren’t Jarrod and Elodie supposed to be the most important people in each other’s lives by now?

Yet the way they lived… it was as if they were strangers, bound together only by obligation.

Elodie had tried everything to warm the ice between them, but nothing seemed to work.

Jarrod simply didn’t care.

He treated her like a business associate polite, detached, and never personal.

Her grandmother seemed at a loss, finally letting out a sigh. “You’re right. Your grandfather and the others are getting on in years. You should spend time with them-it’s no big deal as long as you two didn’t fight. Still, I’ll have another talk with that stubborn boy. Don’t worry, darling, I won’t let him take you for granted!”

Elodie knew how much her grandmother worried over her marriage.

After a long pause, she finally replied, gently, “Grandma, it’s all right. There’s no need.”

They were already divorced-there was no point in fixing what was broken.

She didn’t want her grandmother wasting any more effort on something hopeless. Maybe, with this hint, it would be easier for her to accept things when the truth came out.

Her grandmother hesitated, sensing something unspoken in Elodie’s words. She sounded confused but finally relented, “All right… Just enjoy your time with your family, and wish them a happy New Year for me.”

“I will.”

After ending the call, Elodie let out a quiet breath.

She thought for a moment, then decided to borrow the hotel kitchen and make a few treats for her grandparents. Her grandmother had a sweet tooth, but her blood sugar was unpredictable-most of the hotel’s desserts were far too sugary.

Thankfully, the hotel staff were accommodating.

Elodie settled on a simple batch of puff pastry biscuits.

Halfway through baking, her phone chimed repeatedly.

She checked her messages-it was Octavia.

[When are you coming back? Mom said you’re not making desserts this year?]

[Ugh, seriously? You know I have to have them today!]

– [Where are you? Say something!]

[Forget it, are you jealous or something? Fine, I’ll call you ‘sis-in-law’ for once. Just don’t tell Sylvie, okay? Now will you come home and make them for me?]

Elodie’s expression didn’t change.

Octavia only ever spoke to her when she wanted something, and her tone was always imperious, as if doing Elodie a favor.

All those years when Lucinda was obsessed with her antiques investments and always traveling, she’d leave Octavia in Elodie’s care.

Elodie had spoiled her, meeting her every demand, but Octavia had grown picky and entitled, never satisfied with anyone else’s attention.

There was a time when Octavia had clung to her.

But once Sylvie appeared, Octavia became dismissive and openly disdainful.

Whether it was childish vanity or plain rebellion, Elodie saw no reason to keep indulging her—especially after all the times Octavia had hurt her.

Elodie paused, opened Octavia’s chat, and blocked her.

Then she locked her phone and went back to baking.

She ended up with three boxes of biscuits.

After a moment’s thought, she messaged Freya, asking her to come downstairs and collect a box.

Joseph had helped her before by sending her a doctor’s contact, even though the doctor still hadn’t replied. Still, Elodie preferred not to owe anyone favors.

Freya was delighted and spent a good while chatting about drones before heading back, satisfied with her treats.

Later, Elodie watched the New Year’s countdown on TV with Rosemary and the others, then returned to her room to sleep.

After her shower and evening routine, she received a message from Esmeralda― plus two photos.

Esmeralda: “Ugh, disgusting! Can’t even go out on New Year’s without seeing something gross! I need to rinse my eyes!”

Esmeralda: “Jarrod treats Sylvie like she’s made of glass! Even on a day like this he’s glued to her side! Has he ever spent New Year’s with you? What a jerk!”

Elodie glanced at the photos.

One was a candid shot taken at a billiards club: Sylvie bent over the table, aiming her cue, while Jarrod leaned in close behind her, adjusting her grip.

They stood so close, it was unmistakable.

The second photo was a screenshot of Sylvie’s social media: a picture of Jarrod helping her at the pool table, captioned, “Starting the new year with the person who matters most-there’s nothing more comforting than a warm embrace.”

Elodie could see the chemistry between them.

No wonder Jarrod had rushed to explain her absence to his grandmother-he was probably eager for her to spend the holiday with her own family, just so she wouldn’t intrude on his time with Sylvie.

Things were different now. Back then, Sylvie hadn’t been in the picture.

Now, Jarrod had made sure Elodie wouldn’t disrupt his new life.

She closed the app, unfazed.

No anger, no hurt-just the numb detachment of a stranger.

Rosemary loved the hotel, so Elodie extended their stay for a few more days.

Her grandmother and uncle spent their mornings hiking in the nearby woods, while Elodie mostly stayed in, enjoying the peace and quiet.

She sent another New Year’s greeting and a message about her medical situation to the doctor Joseph had recommended, though she still hadn’t heard back-not

even a name.

At this point, she didn’t even know who she was waiting for.