Jarrod’s voice was steady, not the slightest hint of emotion betraying him.

Still, every word landed with perfect clarity in Elodie’s ears.

For a moment, she was so taken aback she just stood there, frozen.

Out in the hallway, a nurse stared in surprise at the striking, well-dressed man before her. A few of the younger nurses couldn’t help but sneak glances his way.

Jarrod lowered his gaze to meet the nurse’s eyes. “I need to speak with the doctor who was here yesterday. Do you know what time they’ll be in today?”

The ER doctors here worked in shifts, and when things got busy, they were nearly impossible to track down.

He still had no idea what, exactly, was going on with Elodie.

The nurse started to reply, but just then, the door swung open.

Elodie stood in the doorway, pale and visibly irritated. Her expression was cold, almost sharp.

Her gaze locked on Jarrod. He glanced down at her, cool and collected. “Awake? Are you still feeling unwell anywhere?”

He spoke first, his tone calm as ever, eyes sweeping over her in a clinical assessment.

Whatever accusation Elodie had been about to blurt out caught in her throat.

She’d wanted to demand why he’d told everyone he was her “husband.”

But then she noticed the phone in Jarrod’s hand, the screen still lit up with an active call-labeled “Grandma.”

At that moment, he was still on the phone with his grandmother.

Suddenly, it all made sense. He’d said what he did because his grandmother had called for an update, and the nurse had just happened to ask about their relationship.

So that’s why he answered that way.

Elodie pressed her lips together, her face still a little pale. “I’m much better now.”

On the other end, the elderly woman’s concern was obvious, her voice warm and worried.

Elodie did her best to reassure her, gentle and polite.

Finally, the call ended.

At once, the faint warmth in Elodie’s expression vanished. She didn’t look at Jarrod, but addressed the nurse instead. “I’m fine now. I’ll be checking out soon.”

Then, almost as an afterthought: “He’s not my husband.”

Who she was clarifying for, it wasn’t clear-even to herself.

Without another word, she turned and disappeared back into her room.

The nurse was left speechless, casting a bewildered look at Jarrod.

His face remained utterly calm, betraying nothing, impossible to read.

He slipped his phone into his pocket and followed her into the room. Elodie was sipping water when he entered.

He leaned against the wall, watching her with the kind of mild concern one might show an acquaintance. “Aren’t you going to talk to the doctor again before you leave?”

His gaze lingered on her face. “You still look pretty pale.”

Elodie finally glanced up, meeting his deep, unreadable eyes. “Mr. Silverstein.”

“I’m grateful you got me to the hospital in time, but from now on, please don’t say anything that might mislead people about our relationship.”

She was direct, no sugarcoating.

A clear boundary.

A reminder.

They were divorced now.

The irony wasn’t lost on her. All those years of marriage, not once had Jarrod called himself her husband. Now that they were no longer together, he’d finally used the word.

Maybe it was the seriousness in her expression that made Jarrod pause, eyes narrowing almost thoughtfully.

After a long moment, he finally spoke, his tone cool and detached. “Pack your things. I’ll drive you home.”

He didn’t press the topic further.

There was a silent understanding between them; he wouldn’t force her to stay for more observation.

Elodie turned her back. “That won’t be necessary, Mr. Silverstein.”

Jarrod didn’t argue.

She listened as his footsteps faded down the hallway. He was gone.

Elodie pulled herself together quickly, unaffected.

She’d weathered more storms alone than she could count. No matter how rough things got, or how much pain she endured, she always managed to get herself back on track-no matter that just yesterday, she’d truly thought she might die.

After checking out and paying her bills, Elodie headed downstairs.

She spotted Jarrod standing not far from the hospital entrance, a cigarette between his fingers. He hadn’t left. Sensing her gaze, he looked up.

She frowned, just the slightest furrow of her brow.

Jarrod stubbed out the barely-smoked cigarette and walked over. “Do you have a ride?”

Elodie looked away. “Yes.”

“Alright.”

He nodded, but didn’t move—as if he were some sort of customer support, waiting with her for her ride.

Elodie said nothing, stepping a little further away.

Fortunately, within a couple of minutes, Esmeralda pulled up in her car. She spotted Jarrod and her expression tightened, but when she looked at Elodie, her face softened immediately. “Elodie, get in. Let’s go home.”

Elodie didn’t say goodbye to Jarrod not even a word.

She climbed in, and Esmeralda drove off without another glance.

Jarrod stood where he was, his refined features calm and untroubled.

He lit another cigarette and waited until his own driver pulled up. Only then did he glance back at the hospital before getting in the car.

Esmeralda had brought breakfast. As she drove, she offered it to Elodie. “Eat something, will you? Alex says you should take a few days off and focus on getting better. Your health comes first, you know-can’t conquer the world otherwise.”

Elodie had little appetite, but didn’t want Esmeralda to worry. She took a few sips of warm, sweet milk. “Alright.”

Esmeralda still looked anxious. “Alex said your stomach hurt so bad-what did the doctor say? Is it serious?”

“It’s nothing, really.” Elodie knew how Esmeralda could lose sleep over her, so she changed the subject, offering her friend a bite of pastry.

Esmeralda’s simple nature made her easy to distract.

Unexpectedly, Elodie’s phone buzzed with a message.

Elias: [Ms. Thorne, hello. This is Elias. There are some issues with Mr. Thorne’s treatment plan that I’d like to discuss with the family. Are you free today?]

Truthfully, Elodie still didn’t feel well, but Elias had been instrumental in helping with the medical plan. She had to make time for him.

She replied: [Of course. I’ll come by now.]

Elodie asked Esmeralda to take her to the hospital where Elias worked.

At ten in the morning, she arrived at his office.

When Elias looked up, he paused, just briefly, and gave her a subtle, assessing glance.

“Ms. Thorne, are you feeling unwell?”