Reborn In a Murderer’s Embrace (Dexter and Phoebe) novel Chapter 354

I glanced back at Colin, feeling a knot in my chest I couldn't quite untangle.

Colin's complexion was off, clearly upset by the idea of me leaving with Dexter.

But I had to know. "Tell me, who kidnapped me? Who hurt me?"

I wanted to see if Colin would divulge the truth.

He stood there, a picture of helplessness and panic.

Reaching out, he tried to pull me to his side.

For a moment, I was tempted to go to him, to close that distance, but my better judgment prevailed. "Tell me, who hurt me?"

Colin's hand, suspended in mid-air, slowly dropped. He remained silent.

Nodding, I turned to Dexter. "I'll go with you."

Dexter seemed pleased, leading me toward his car. "Phoebe, let's go."

I didn't look back but hoped Colin would stop me.

Yet, as I climbed into Dexter's car, Colin said nothing. He stood there, head bowed, engulfed in what seemed like a painful struggle.

"I'll ask you one more time... who was it?" My eyes reddened, my heart in turmoil.

Who could Colin be protecting so fiercely?

Colin looked up, his eyes glistening, and finally spoke. "Phoebe, It was me."

He claimed responsibility. "All of it..."

He took all the blame upon himself. He'd rather have me hate him, despise him, stay away from him, than reveal who truly harmed me!

"Imara found it at your old place. Your parents discovered this letter in the basement where he kept you captive," Dexter clarified.

Reading the letter, my words were cold, my tone decisive.

[Colin, I feel nothing. Agreeing to date you was out of curiosity about love and wanting to experience what normal people feel. But it's clear, no matter what, I can't truly love you. I can't possess love and normal emotions like a normal person. Let's end this. I can't keep deceiving you and myself. From Phoebe Caldwell.]

The letter marked the end of my relationship with Colin.

"This lunatic turns dangerous when he doesn't get his way. He's a genuine madman, a danger to be around," Dexter frowned, urging me to see the reality.

"Dexter…" Holding the letter, my chest ached profoundly.

Dexter looked at me, his gaze intense.

"Stop the car," I demanded, my voice firm.