Chapter summaries She Didn't See It Coming Shari Lapena

She Didn't See It Coming: Chapter 28 Summary and Analysis

Spoiler Notice

This summary and analysis contains spoilers for chapter 28 of She Didn't See It Coming by Shari Lapena. If you haven't read the chapter, proceed with caution.

Summary

The chapter opens with Sam reflecting on how his affair with Paige began. While Bryden was away on business trips, Paige started visiting to keep Sam company and spend time with Clara. The first time, Sam told Bryden, but the second time he kept quiet. On the third visit, after a glass of wine, Paige kissed him, and Sam gave in. They had sex in the marital bed and agreed that Bryden must never know. The affair continued every time Bryden traveled.

Now, in a chilly park, Paige observes Sam clenching his jaw as he watches Clara. Both worry that if the police discover the affair—or learn that Sam knew about Bryden's own affair—they will have a motive. Paige is concerned about exposure in the media and her own reputation.

Later, after Sam and Paige leave with Clara, Donna, Jim, and Lizzie discuss Sam's potential guilt. Donna suggests they must consider that Sam might have killed Bryden. Jim recoils, insisting Sam could not have done such a thing. Lizzie also defends Sam, saying he loved Bryden. But Donna points out Sam's two-hour missing alibi on the day of the murder and his changed demeanor. She argues that husbands frequently kill their wives. Jim wearily says it's for the police to figure out. Donna remains unconvinced, and when Sam returns from the park, she studies his tight, worried expression and thinks, He looks guilty.

Key Events

Sam recalls the gradual start of his affair with Paige: three visits, the third leading to a kiss and sex.
Sam and Paige agree to keep the affair secret to avoid hurting Bryden; it becomes a regular occurrence.
In the park, Sam and Paige worry the police will see the affair as a motive.
Donna forces a conversation with Jim and Lizzie about Sam as a possible murderer.
Jim and Lizzie resist the idea; Donna counters with Sam's lack of alibi.
The chapter closes with Donna's conviction that Sam looks guilty.

Character Development

Sam: Revealed as unfaithful and weak-willed. His guilt and fear are evident as he contemplates the affair's consequences.
Paige: She is complicit, casual about the sex, but worried about her own exposure. Her feelings toward Sam are unclear.
Donna: Grows from grieving mother to suspicious accuser. She is willing to question the family's blind trust in Sam.
Jim: Emotionally recoils from the idea of Sam as a killer, showing his denial and grief.
Lizzie: Defends Sam based on her perception of his love for Bryden, indicating potential naivety or trust.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Deception and Secrecy: The affair symbolizes a hidden layer of betrayal that now threatens both Sam and Paige.
Motive and Suspicion: The chapter explores how infidelity can create a plausible motive for murder in the eyes of the law and the family.
Family Loyalty vs. Truth: Donna challenges the family's default loyalty to Sam, urging them to prioritize truth over comfort.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter is a turning point because it confirms Sam's affair, giving him a clear motive and aligning with the police's suspicions. It also deepens the family's internal conflict: Donna now openly suspects Sam, while Jim and Lizzie cling to innocence. The readers are left questioning everyone's reliability.

Study Questions and Answers

How does Sam's recollection of the affair's beginning explain his current anxiety?
Sam realizes that if the police discover the affair, they will see it as a motive to kill Bryden—especially if they also think Sam knew about Bryden's own affair. His guilt over the betrayal intensifies his fear.
Why does Donna believe Sam is guilty despite Lizzie's defense?
Donna points to Sam's lack of an alibi for a two-hour window on the day of the murder, his changed behavior, and her maternal intuition. She also notes that husbands frequently kill their wives.
What does Paige's perspective reveal about her character?
Paige is self-interested; she worries about being dragged through the media and views the affair as casual. She shows little remorse for Bryden but is concerned about the consequences for herself and Sam.