The Perfect Couple by Elin Hilderbrand is a suspenseful mystery novel full of secrets, deceit, and twists that nobody saw coming. At the center of it all, though, is the bombshell that Abby killed Merritt. This article looks at the motives behind Abby’s actions, the dynamics leading up to the tragedy, and how it affects the telling of the novel.
Understanding the Characters
To fully grasp why Abby killed Merritt, it’s essential to understand their roles and relationships in the story.
1. Abby Tavener
Abby is the mother of the groom, Benji Winbury. She’s rich, influential, and terribly obsessed with family reputation.
Throughout the course of this novel, Abby proves to be not only very protective but also very partial toward maintaining a good appearance over natural feelings.
2. Merritt Monaco
Merritt is the bride and serves as the catalyst in the chain of events. She too has secrets, major ones, that play into the tragedy that unfolds.
Why Did Abby Kill Merritt ?
Abby murdered Merritt in The Perfect Couple because she wanted her and her husband to have the Winbury trust fund money sooner.
The trust fund was set to disburse when the youngest Winbury child turned 18. 2 Merritt was pregnant with Tag Winbury’s baby, thereby delaying distribution and dividing the fund four ways instead of three.
Greedy and seeking financial security, Abby took matters into her own hands to eliminate Merritt and her unborn child.
The Impact on the Story
The revelation of Abby’s guilt reshapes the narrative, challenging readers to reconsider the motives and flaws of every character.
1. The Role of Secrets
The novel emphasizes how secrets, no matter how deeply buried, can lead to devastating consequences. Abby’s desperation to hide her own secrets fuels her decision to commit murder.
2. Exploring Moral Ambiguity
Abby’s actions highlight the complexity of morality. While her motives may stem from loyalty to her family, her decision to kill Merritt is unquestionably wrong. This duality adds depth to her character and raises questions about the lengths people go to for love and protection.
Conclusion
Abby kills Merritt in the novel The Perfect Couple because of fear, resentment, and family reputation protection. The tragedy is a reminder that when unbridled emotion and hidden truths combine, the damage can be irreparable.
Elin Hilderbrand masterfully weaves this narrative into a very thought-provoking read on human nature, relationships, and what perfection could cost.
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