"Just looking at her makes me sick. If you insist on making me marry her, I won't even make it to thirty." His eyes were wild, reckless. "I'll die right here. Right now."
A knife appeared in his hand. He pressed the blade against his own throat.
Nadia dropped to her knees in front of Violet with a strangled sob.
"Mrs. Delgado, please—just this once, believe in science. I've had monitoring equipment on Ian for months. His vitals are perfect. He's in peak health!"
"His thirtieth birthday is three days away. We will prove it to you ourselves—the marriage pact, the curse, all of it is a lie." Tears streamed down her cheeks. "I earned my PhD for this. For him. Everything I've done has been leading to this moment. Please, give me a chance. Give Ian a chance."
"Mom, if you don't agree—"
Ian pressed harder. A line of crimson slid down his neck, soaking into the groom's suit I had chosen for him myself.
"I agree!"
Violet's voice cracked as she lunged forward and wrenched the knife from his hand. Then she turned to me, guilt flickering behind her eyes.
"Clara, I'm sorry..."
"It's fine."
I cut her off, the faintest smile pulling at the corner of my mouth.