I believe in tjlc but I can't believe that Irene wasn't romantically attracted to Sherlock. I watched HLV again, when Sherlock is dying Moriarty says 'The Woman will cry' Why would she cry if everything she did was just an act? Unless it wasn't.

Hey Nonny, 

No no, I totally get where you are going with this, and I had to sit and think about this.

This is taking place in Sherlock’s mind palace, and SHERLOCK THINKS Irene fell in love with him. Perhaps he still thought that when she went to rescue her. And I think in a way, she did; she respects a kindred spirit and wants the best for Sherlock. But I don’t believe she was IN love with him. There was an intellectual attraction, certainly, and loved him for his devotion to John. In his mind palace, Irene is representative of his lust and desires, so he translated that into her physical self being sad at his death.

That’s honestly the best I’ve got for you. I welcome other interpretations.