Page 36 of The Plunge

"I should have known," she whispers. "How could I not see? All this time I thought I was the bad seed, not good enough for a family that is so commendable in every aspect. I feel so stupid."

"They fooled a lot of people. The public, but also their own friends and family. It's what they did. They mastered the art of deception," I say in a low voice. "I'm sorry, Libby. You don't deserve any of this."

She snivels, shaking her head on the pillow while reaching for my hand.

"Thank you." Her voice is thin and weak, emitting desperation.

"You have nothing to thank me for," I object, guilt rushing over me as I remember the moment my misguided bullet brushed her hip.

"Yes, I do."

"For what?"

She intertwines her fingers with mine, her thumb gracing my skin as she brings my hand to her lips and places a gentle kiss on my knuckles.

"For saving me," she says in a low voice.

Her words weigh heavily on my heart, pushing me down into a puddle of guilt.

She trusts me. She really thinks I'm her savior.

But I'm not sure if I can live up to that expectation.

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