11#11

11

Katherine, seeing me - her biggest threat - gone, couldn't hide her triumph.

She was probably already dreaming of her future with the Shanes.

Boldly, she challenged Bob.

"How could you hit him? Terry had no choice!"

The Shanes had never approved of Terry's relationship with Katherine, and her words only stoked the fire.

Bob's breathing grew labored, his hand clutching his chest.

"No choice? Is that his excuse for murder?"

Katherine's eyes darted nervously, but she pressed on.

"It's because of the chains you've put on Terry. You've always used him. He never loved Wendy; you forced him!"

Her self-righteous speech pushed the father-son conflict to its limit.

"Terry, is this what you think?"

Bob struggled to ask. I couldn't help but wonder too.

I had liked Terry, but I wasn't desperate.

If he had refused me, I would've moved on.

But he agreed, even saying marrying me was his "long-cherished dream."

If he didn't love me, why lie?

But Terry stayed silent.