Never Lie – Chapter 37 (Chapter 36) Summary and Analysis
Spoiler Notice
This page contains detailed spoilers for Chapter 37 (Chapter 36) of Never Lie by Freida McFadden. If you have not yet read the book, proceed with caution.
Chapter Summary
This chapter is a flashback from Adrienne’s point of view, titled “Before.” Luke returns the keys to EJ’s house and confronts Adrienne about the video he watched—footage of her slashing a man’s tires. Adrienne admits she did it because the man stole her parking spot when she was rushing to the clinic. Luke is shocked and disappointed but still helps her load the drugged EJ into his Porsche and drive him back to his house. During the drive home, Adrienne feels euphoric and tells Luke she loves him, then suggests he move in with her. Luke agrees. As they arrive at her isolated house, Adrienne receives a text from EJ: “You bitch. You broke into my house,” followed by “I’m going to kill you.” She dismisses the threat, blocks EJ’s number, and follows Luke inside.
Key Events
- Luke returns EJ’s keys to Adrienne and admits he watched the incriminating video.
- Adrienne confesses that she slashed a stranger’s tires over a stolen parking spot.
- Despite his anger, Luke helps Adrienne transport the unconscious EJ back to his house in his own Porsche.
- On the drive home, Adrienne expresses love for Luke and proposes that he move in with her.
- Luke accepts the invitation, giving a genuine smile.
- As they park at Adrienne’s house, she receives threatening texts from EJ.
- Adrienne blocks EJ’s number and chooses not to tell Luke about the messages.
Character Development
Adrienne reveals a reckless, impulsive side beneath her composed therapist exterior. She is willing to commit petty crime and manipulate others to maintain control. Her relief after retrieving the video shows her deep anxiety about being exposed. She also shows emotional vulnerability by confessing her feelings to Luke and asking him to move in, yet she still hides the threats from him, indicating a continued need for secrecy.
Luke is shocked to discover Adrienne’s capacity for destructive behavior. His disappointment is clear, but he still chooses to help her, showing loyalty and a desire to protect her. His willingness to drive EJ’s car suggests he may also enjoy the thrill of the scheme. His eventual smile at the moving-in idea indicates he values their relationship despite the moral compromise.
EJ remains an off-screen threat. His texts reveal his rage and his intention to retaliate. Adrienne’s dismissal of his death threat shows her confidence in her own ability to handle him, but it also sets up future conflict.
Themes, Symbols, and Motifs
Power and Control: Adrienne regains power over EJ by destroying the video, but EJ’s texts show that control is temporary. The struggle for dominance continues.
Secrecy and Vulnerability: The video is a symbol of Adrienne’s hidden flaw—her temper. Having it destroyed allows her to feel safe, but her willingness to break the law to keep it secret underscores her fear of judgment.
Trust and Betrayal: Luke’s trust is tested when he watches the video. Adrienne’s decision to conceal the threats from him foreshadows a breakdown in honesty between them.
Isolation: Adrienne’s “isolated kingdom” with its six bedrooms represents both her desire for solitude and her readiness to share her life with Luke. The house becomes a symbol of her guarded world that she is tentatively opening.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter deepens the backstory of Adrienne and Luke’s relationship, revealing the moral compromises that bind them. It also repositions EJ as an active antagonist who is not defeated, setting up future danger. The flashback structure of the novel is reinforced here, as this “Before” moment contrasts sharply with the “After” scenes in the present. Adrienne’s decision to block EJ without telling Luke is a turning point that will likely have consequences later in the story.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Adrienne slash the man’s tires, and what does this reveal about her character?
She slashes the tires because he stole her parking spot while she was rushing to see a patient. The act reveals that Adrienne has a hidden temper and is willing to commit illegal acts when she feels wronged, contradicting her professional image as a calm therapist.
2. How does Luke react when he learns the truth about the video, and why does he still help Adrienne?
Luke is visibly disappointed and angry, saying he is “not thrilled” with her. However, he helps her because he cares for her, understands her desperation to remove the leverage EJ held, and perhaps enjoys the adventure. His decision shows loyalty mixed with moral flexibility.
3. What is the significance of Adrienne blocking EJ’s number and not telling Luke about the threats?
By blocking EJ, Adrienne tries to sever his hold on her, but keeping the threats secret from Luke signals that she still wants to maintain control over the situation. This choice may create a rift between them later if Luke discovers she withheld information.