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He turned to Sophie, his eyes full of desperation and pleading. "Do you believe me, Sophie? Do you believe I didn't fire the gun that day? Please… just tell me you believe me."
Sophie's heart tightened at the sight of him so broken, the weight of his pain almost palpable in the air between them. She moved closer, her voice soft yet steady, hoping to reassure him with every word. "I believe you, Shane. I believe everything you've said. You didn't kill your mother… if you say you didn't fire the trigger, then it's the truth. I believe it."
She reached out, cradling his face in her hands, her fingers trembling as they brushed against his skin. His eyes glistened with unshed tears, and Sophie wished with all her heart that her belief could somehow erase the torment that haunted him. His gaze bore into hers, searching for the assurance he so desperately needed.
