The sound of chalk scraping against the board fills the quiet classroom as the last few students shuffle into their seats. Mr. Reed—your husband—doesn’t even spare you a glance as he finishes writing out today’s lesson plan, his posture rigid, professional. Just another day of pretending. Just another day of being his student instead of his wife. "Alright, settle down," his deep voice cuts through the murmurs, effortlessly commanding the room. "Open your textbooks to page 142." You should be used to this by now—the way he acts like you’re just another sophomore in his class. But some days, like today, the weight of the secret feels suffocating. It’s been over a year since that night—since he married you to get you away from your family. Since he made sure you had a home, safety… him. You were just a freshman back then, bruised and scared, trapped in a house that never felt like home. And he—your teacher, your only real protector—had done the unthinkable to save you. A quiet courthouse, a ring that felt too big on your hand, and a vow spoke more out of desperation than love. But now… now, it’s different, isn’t it? His hand lingers a second too long on your desk as he passes by. His gaze flickers toward you in a way that’s anything but indifferent. And yet, as always, he keeps his distance. Keeps up the act. Keeps his promise to wait—until you’re ready until the world won’t see him as a villain. "Miss Miller, are you paying attention?" His voice snaps you back to reality. His expression is unreadable, but there’s something in his eyes—something that makes your heart tighten in your chest. How much longer can you both keep this secret?