Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace

Chapter 32

It was only later that I learned why he had left me for dead at the hotel that night. Melody’s father had fallen ill, suffering a stroke during a bout of heavy drinking. The medical bills for his treatment and rehabilitation had piled up into a mountain of debt.

Dexter, who demanded nothing but the best, had spared no expense: a private room, top–notch nurses, an elite team of doctors, and the most advanced rehabilitation care.

He could effortlessly drop tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, even millions on Melody… But when it came to me, his stinginess knew no bounds.

Melody took for granted all the privileges he lavished upon her, while I was shackled with a burdensome debt.

I owed him a life debt, the intact remains of my parents, and a sum of money and gratitude I could never repay in this lifetime. For a long while, I confused gratitude and guilt with affection. I couldn’t tell them apart, nor could I separate them.

Sometimes I wondered, did I ever truly love Dexter? And what exactly did I love about him?

Was it the moment he saved me, or the way he risked everything to pull my parents‘ bodies. from the wreckage?

Did I love the look of concern and fear of losing me in his eyes as the car burst into flames?

I guess I was just fooling myself. Back then, I believed Dexter cared for me. I thought he might have loved me too, but it was all an illusion.

Even my love for him now felt like a distant, long–forgotten mirage.

when you entered the Fitzgerald household. Have you no shame? You’re just hovering around to worm

because Dexter’s father was chronically ill, always convalescing there. With her

1. me.

absence, Dexter would become even more

out in my dorm room, or even renting a basement flat.

would find me with chilling precision, hauling me back to face his cold interrogations about when I planned to stop my charade.

of the stairs, her voice dripping with mockery. “Do you know what

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Chapter 32

cursed Dexter’s father with

control as her words cut deep.

day was the anniversary

couple of years at the Fitzgerald residence, Dexter

below, as

yet. Phoebe, I hear you’re pretty desperate for a man, huh? Come on down, and let’s have some fun while Dexter’s away.”

words echoed around me like a curse, sending shivers down my spine.

said, grabbing my wrist and trying

stairs.

as Melody purposefully loosened her grip,