Marriage to James St Patrick was efficient. Cold. Structured.
They shared a penthouse but not a life.
She moved like a shadow through marble halls, studying security exits, memorizing staff routines.
Twelve days after the wedding, someone tried to poison him.
She noticed the hesitation in the waiter's hand.
Rewind.
Five seconds.
Not enough.
Rewind.
Twelve seconds.
Her vision blurred. Blood slid from her nose.
James lifted the champagne glass again.
She stepped forward.
"Sir, that glass was switched."
Security intervened.
Crisis avoided.
Three more years gone.
Remaining lifespan: 23 years.
Later that night, James studied her carefully.
"You seem to anticipate danger."
"I pay attention."
His gaze lingered longer than before.
Curiosity replaced indifference.
That was dangerous.
Because love
makes sacrifice heavier.