EuropeNovel"Jarrod, that was quick thinking-you nearly saved Sylvie from getting burned," Maurice said, letting out a relieved sigh as he noticed the close call.
Everyone's attention turned to Sylvie.
She had indeed been standing quite close to the oven tray just moments ago.
Seeing everyone's concern, Sylvie offered a graceful smile. "Don't worry, I'm perfectly fine." Octavia, the one who'd started all the commotion, rushed over in a panic, cradling Sylvie's hands with guilt. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to! I nearly gave myself a heart attack!" Sylvie ruffled her hair affectionately. "It's alright, really." Elodie curled her fingers into her palm.
Suddenly, she realized she'd been overthinking things.
Jarrod's reaction hadn't been out of worry for her at all. He'd only panicked because Sylvie was almost hurt-he hadn't even hesitated to put himself at risk.
Only Sylvie, it seemed, could rattle the calm, collected Jarrod.
Joseph, after making sure Elodie was unscathed, finally settled back in his seat.
Freya glanced over, concern etched on her face. "Are you sure you're okay? Letsee your hand." Elodie shook her head.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAcross from her, Alexander's expression shifted subtly as he glanced at Jarrod, who was still shielding Sylvie. "Mr. Silverstein, didn't you see that Elodie was nearly burned too?" Elodie had been standing even closer to the tray than Sylvie. Sylvie hadn't really been in any danger at all! Only now did Jarrod finally turn his gaze in Elodie's direction.
He replied, voice cool and steady, "Is that so? I didn't notice." Elodie's heart clenched, her breath catching in her chest.
So he hadn't even spared her so much as a passing thought.
Even his tone was cold and indifferent, completely unconcerned whether she was hurt or not.
The only person he truly cared about was Sylvie.
Alexander found himself at a loss for words.
He finally understood what Elodie's last three years had been like.
Jarrod's apathy toward her was absolute.
There were over twenty people on this side of the campsite, divided into two groups.
Suddenly, Elodie felt exhausted. Wrapping her soft woolen shawl tighter around her shoulders, she walked over to her tent and sat down. The view here was beautiful, the air was clean, and the stars overhead seemed especially brilliant tonight.
Elodie allowed herself to enjoy the rare peace of solitude.
She couldn't care less about what Jarrod and the others were talking about anymore.
From tto time, Freya cby.
She brought Elodie a hand warmer and a thermos filled with hot water.
Freya was still young, but she was unfailingly considerate. "If you need anything, just call me. My tent's right next to yours-don't hesitate, okay?" Elodie managed a small, genuine smile. "Thank you, I will." After Freya left, Joseph wandered over.
Elodie hadn't planned on starting a conversation, but it felt rude to ignore him. "You're not hanging out with the others?" Joseph wasn't sure himself why he'd ended up here. He hesitated. "It's supposed to get colder tonight. Make sure you stay warm." "...Alright." She found Joseph's behavior a little odd lately, though she couldn't put her finger on exactly why.
He'd never bothered to speak to her before.
Mostly, he'd just been dismissive or contemptuous.
Sensing the awkwardness, Joseph seemed on the verge of leaving, then
suddenly asked, "I saw on social m media you were in the hospital a while ago. Are you better now?" Elodie was caught off guard.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmIt had already been almost a month since her hospital visit.
Back then, she'd desperately hoped Jarrod would go with her, but he'd e bailed at the last minute. He hadn't even bothered to comment on her post.
Maybe he hadn't even seen it.
And now, the first person to ask after her health wasn't Jarrod but one of e his friends. "I'm fine now, thank you for asking," Elodie replied evenly.
Her fingers unconsciously brushed across her flat stomach.
Her emotions swirled restlessly.
The doctors had said her condition was complicated, her chances of recovery weren't great, and she'd lose her ability to have children...
How could she possibly not care? Even if she got better- She'd never have a child of her own.
Elodie fell silent, lost in thought.
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