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EPILOGUE

EVAN

T he past year was a whirlwind of big changes, moves, and lots of laughter and love.

I bought a two-bedroom apartment near Elena’s office, and she moved in with me. We both decided to sell her childhood home since Elena no longer had any desire to go back there after that incident with Mrs. Roberts.

As we packed, we found two letters addressed to both of us. The papers were in one of Gina’s jewelry boxes.

Ethan,

Elena can be cold and aloof, but when she loves, she loves hard. Any man she falls in love with is lucky because she’s the type who will only ever love one in her lifetime.

This is neither a demand nor a request, but I witnessed you being too hard on yourself, so I hope you will give your heart a chance—a chance at loving Elena.

In my mind, you both are perfect for each other. I hope you feel the same way too.

Elena,

By the time you read this letter, I assume you’ve met Ethan. He’s the nicest, sweetest, and kindest man I’ve ever met, aside from your father, of course.

He has helped me tremendously for these past few months. It’s not just the trips to the hospital but all those late-night bouts of anxiety and depression. He would talk to me until the wee hours of the night, just listening to me ramble about things.

I think you already know what kind of marriage it was. You might call it transactional, but it’s more like a partnership for us. I helped him, and he helped me. Along the way, we became close friends.

I know this is presumptuous of me, which is something you’ve always hated, but you deserve a man like him, Elena. A man who will look after you and love you with everything he’s got.

If you do end up with him, you already know you have my blessing.

I love you, Elena. You’re the best thing that happened to me and your father.

Love,

Mom