This had never happened before. Antony agreed without hesitation and signed the agreement.
"I'd never cheat on you," he said, brimming with confidence. "And if you ever did, it would only mean I hadn't been good enough to you. I'd never leave you with nothing."
We had a beautiful wedding, and our marriage was everything my thirty-three-year-old self had described—a love so tender it made others envious.
By our fifth anniversary, I deliberately avoided mentioning anything about sponsoring students. Antony didn't bring it up either.
Joy bubbled up inside me, impossible to contain.
Things can change. Everything can change.
As long as Penelope never appears, Antony won't stray.
Then one evening, he brought her home—disheveled and trembling.
"Patsy, I found her at a karaoke bar. Those old men were forcing drinks on her. Turns out she's a student from a low-income family." His eyes lit up. "Didn't you always want to sponsor a student in need? Let's sponsor her."
My mind exploded.
Before I could gather my thoughts, the phone began to ring—over and over, relentless as a death knell.
I answered, and through the haze, I heard my thirty-three-year-old self screaming.
"Don't agree! If you refuse, they'll never cross paths again. Patsy, don't you dare go soft!"
Penelope's eyes—wide and frightened as a fawn's—locked onto mine. Tears pooled in them, brimming with desperation and longing.
I opened my mouth to refuse.
But then I met Antony's gaze—expectant, searching.
I could already picture the disappointment that would cloud his face if I said no.
I hesitated.
Then I nodded.
Antony's face broke into a radiant smile. He pulled me into his arms. "I knew you'd say yes. But honestly, even if you hadn't, I would've helped her in secret. I didn't want you to regret it later."
Ice water flooded my veins. That crushing helplessness wrapped around me like a shroud.
Later, my thirty-three-year-old self called again. Her tone was softer this time—almost comforting.
"It's okay. Just keep a close watch. Don't let them get close. Don't give Antony the chance to waver."
I took full control of Penelope's sponsorship. Beyond the monthly transfers, I texted her constantly—checking on her studies, her life.
I bought her necessities and clothes. When she fell ill, I personally took her to the hospital.
She was grateful—moved, even. Her respect for me only deepened.
That was exactly what I wanted. Let her be so touched she'd never dare make a move on Antony.
Under my vigilant watch, Penelope finally graduated.
I even found her a decent internship on my own.
And then I saw her at Antony's company.
When I asked what was going on, Antony raised his voice at me for the first time.
"Do you have any idea what kind of place you sent her to? She was being harassed! If I hadn't happened to visit that office, her life would've been ruined!"
Something inside me collapsed.
Of course things had changed. Penelope—who elsewhere would've fought tooth and nail for a permanent position—was now Antony's secretary.
Two years until our divorce.
Both versions of me were consumed by an anxiety I'd never known.
I started showing up at Antony's office almost daily, always bringing three lunches so I could invite Penelope to eat with us.
At night, I put on flawless makeup and slipped into lingerie that left him breathless. I made him crave me down to his bones.
When he worked late, I brought midnight snacks. When he traveled for business, I booked a trip to the same city.
We were practically inseparable.
At first, Antony found it charming.
Then he grew suspicious.
"Patsy... are you watching me?"
Guilt seized my throat. I didn't dare cling to him after that.
