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However, I did not. It was too risky. I was quick to remind myself that Ethan trusted me, not that it mattered. What was most important were Anna and Uncle Fred. I didn't want to jeopardize their safety.
"Vanessa, is it?"
A man who appeared to be familiar asked beside me. However, it wasn't until I noticed his paralyzed arm that I realized who he was.
"My name is Luke Levine, and I've heard a lot about you." He had a gentle smile on his lips and kind eyes.
But everything felt off when I was watching him closely. Uncle Fred had tried to murder this man, but he didn't appear to despise me.
"I've heard a lot about you as well," I said calmly.
"Ethan?" he asked.
"Gone for a while," I said, smiling. "Please,take a seat."
"I'm surprised you came to see me," I continued.
"There's not much you can do to me here," he said, smiling.
I burst out laughing. He was nothing like the man I imaginedhe wouldbe;I had convinced myself that my uncle had attempted to murder a bad guy. But what if Luke wasn't all that bad?
I despised the what-ifs and the thousands of questions that raced through my mind. The first thing I would ask uncle Fred when I sawhim againwould bethe truth. Why did he do it?
However, there were always two sides to every story, so I decided to ask Luke for his right now.
"I heard my uncle did thatto you."
Luke appeared stunned. He clearly hadn't anticipated my candor.
"I try not to dwell on the past, but he did, yes."
"Why?" I asked, dreading the answer that had caused me to lose sleep for quite some time now.
* * *
LUKE
She had no idea. Fred hadn't toldher. I knew our family didn't know anything about her, but I didn't realize she was oblivious toher uncle's past.
I saw herwaiting for an answer, so I returned her question.
"Why?"
"Yes. Why did my uncle tryto kill you?" she asked.
Before I could stop myself, I laughed. "Vanessa, I wish I knew. Furthermore, some things are better kept secret. I can't bear any more pain from the past."
I knew I was winning when I saw her eyes soften. This changed everything.I could complete my task much more quickly than I had anticipated. It will only take the right actions and moves for everything to fall into place for me.
"I'm sorry," she apologized.
"Look," I told her. "I've forgiven Fredfor what hedid to me. There's no honor among thieves, eh?I'm just glad he didn't succeed. I try to move on, but it's difficult when everyone seems to be concerned about it." I laughed dryly.
I smiled as I watched her devour my words. When the time came, I'd be able to use her against Ethan. But first, I need to plant the seeds.
* * *
VANESSA
