LOGINThe auctioneer's cadence moved through the wall. I had built something without him. That was still true. It would stay true. Whatever I said next didn't touch it. "I don't know," I said. "That's the honest answer. Not the managed version." I met his gaze. "I don't know if what's left is enough to
Alicia's POV The older man was still talking. "Seven years," he said. "Four jurisdictions. We moved water infrastructure across borders that hadn't spoken to each other in a generation." His hands traced corridors in the air between us. "The archive is the proof it happened. That it worked." He tu
“You entered without cause,” I said. “You stayed without one.” “I don’t know what this is between you two but—” “My wife.” No variation in tone. No additional weight needed. Alicia’s hand lifted a little, then halted mid-motion and settled again without completing the gesture. The woman exhaled
Edward’s POV “Forty thousand. Do I have forty-five?” The paddle was already raised. Alicia’s hand remained under mine, unchanged in position, as though neither of us had adjusted to its presence since it settled there. “Forty-five.” I raised. “Fifty. Fifty-five.” On the left, a man leaned forw
The fifth lot began. Edward moved to speak to someone at the side of the room. I watched the auctioneer. She crossed the room toward him. He turned when she spoke. She laughed. It had worked before, that laugh. I scanned the sixth lot. Mixed media, authenticated 2019, provenance verified. Her h
Alicia's POV Volkov was already at the door when we came in. His eyes went to my dress and came back up. Lazily. He turned to Edward, and they shook hands. It ran a half-second longer than it needed. "You both came," he said. "You invited us," Edward said. "I invite many people. They don't alwa
"Oh, honey." Elena was out of her chair and on the bed in seconds, arms wrapped around me, careful of the IV line. "I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry." I buried my face in her shoulder and sobbed. Ugly, wrenching sobs that hurt my ribs and made my head pound. Elena held me through all of it, one hand
Edward’s POV The whiskey burned on the way down, a heat that climbed and lingered, settling in my chest like a tightening knot. I stood at the kitchen counter with the glass in hand. The bedroom door had closed behind her, soft and definite. She had been at the hospital all day. Or so she said. I
Edward's POV The dessert plates were cleared. Coffee appeared in delicate porcelain cups. Senator Whitmore pushed back from the table with a satisfied sigh. "Vivienne, that was exceptional. As always." "I'm so glad you enjoyed it." Mother's smile was gracious, effortless. "Shall we move to the s
Alicia’s POV The car was quiet except for the hum of the engine and the faint rustle of tires on pavement. My reflection looked back at me. Pale. Hollow‑eyed. A stranger inhabiting my face. Edward’s hands gripped the wheel. Ten and two. Posture rigid, the air between us tight with things unsaid.







