Even after a divorce, feelings don’t just disappear because you say they do.

Most people just pretend to be strong.

In the end, you might find yourself treasuring Mr. Silverstein’s things like precious keepsakes—unable to let go.

Jarrod was just about to stand up when his grandmother called.

He rubbed his forehead and answered, “Calling after lunch, Grandma?”

She snorted. “So you still remember this old woman exists, do you?”

Jarrod loosened his tie and gave a half-smile. “That’s not fair. I always check in on you.”

“Don’t try to sidestep me,” she snapped. “You haven’t been back to the Silverstein house in ages. Ever since Valentine’s Day, you and Elodie have both gone off the grid. Tell me the truth-did you do something to upset her?”

The more she thought about it, the more suspicious she became.

She’d worked so hard to set the mood for them on Valentine’s Day-even booked the hotel. Elodie had only left the next morning. By all rights, that should’ve warmed things up between them.

So why the sudden radio silence?

Jarrod arched an eyebrow and drummed his fingers on the desk. “I don’t think so.” Well, except… that trip to city hall.

“Enough with the half-truths,” his grandmother huffed. “You’re almost thirty, Jarrod. When are you going to give me a great-grandchild? I know you used to love kids.”

He really had, but somehow, after marrying Elodie, he’d grown indifferent to the idea. Their relationship had always been lukewarm.

Who stays married for three years without having a baby? Now it’s been another year-four in total. She had to start pushing.

Jarrod didn’t mention the divorce. He replied, unhurried, “No plans for that right now.”

“You stubborn boy!” she scolded. “No wonder Elodie always avoids the topic. Turns out you’re the problem!”

If a husband isn’t willing, what could Elodie do?

Jarrod said nothing.

His grandmother sighed and softened a little. “This is your responsibility, Jarrod. Don’t try to wriggle out of it. Bring Elodie home for a few days soon. That’s final.”

She hung up before he could protest.

Jarrod glanced at the phone, unfazed.

Elodie was just leaving VistaLink Technologies when she got Keith’s reply.

He said he’d get back to her as soon as possible.

Still no definite timeline.

It was as if he knew she was powerless to push further.

Especially since she had no way to contact Jarrod directly.

If Jarrod wanted to keep her in the dark, there was little she could do.

Her brow furrowed, but she decided not to dwell on it.

If the house sold before he noticed, it wouldn’t be her fault-she’d warned him.

Tonight, she had a dinner meeting for a project-time to discuss the plans in depth with Mr. Patrick and the others.

They’d booked a room at the country club.

Alexander was out of town for a last-minute trip and was driving back now, running late. He told her to go on ahead and hold down the fort.

The technical issues were too complex for Esmeralda to handle, so Elodie had to

go herself. She was tired, not in the mood to drive, so she ordered a car straight to the club.

She gave Alexander’s membership name at the entrance, and an attendant escorted her inside.

They took a shuttle to the golf course.

Elodie had just stepped out when she heard laughter nearby. She turned-and

caught the group’s attention as well.

Sylvie was mid-swing, teeing off.

Jarrod sat with his legs crossed, chatting with Joseph; he looked over as he heard the commotion.

Maurice, leaning on his golf club, spotted Elodie and grinned crookedly.

“Elodie, even after the divorce, you just can’t stay away, huh?”