Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Chapter 45

Lizetta only freaked out for a sec she’d taken so many tumbles while dancing that her muscles have a mind of their own now.

She was about to pull a mid–air twist and flip when a big hand clamped down on her side. Before Lizetta could even process what was happening, she was scooped up off the ground into a full–on bear hug.

Her heart pounding, Lizetta looked up and locked eyes with the man who’d been MIA for a week. The mall’s overhead lights were blinding, but there he was, holding her, his perfectly combed hair catching the starlight, looking like some sort of god with his handsome face.

He was dressed to kill today in a black shirt and a silver–gray checkered tie. His suit wasn’t the run–of–the–mill kind – it had a bold peak lapel design, and with that silver brooch and matching watch gleaming, he was the epitome of posh arrogance.

Lizetta was so stunned being in his arms that she was totally spaced out. Then he whispered in her ear, “What, I’ve been away that long and you couldn’t recognize your own hubby?”

Hubby? That was a new one for Lizetta – she couldn’t help but blush to her roots, all discombobulated.

It wasn’t until she caught the scoffing, not teasing, look in Remington’s eyes that she snapped back to reality.

She pushed him away and hopped down, quipping, “Yep, didn’t recognize you. After all, even a mutt can look like a gentleman for a day.”

Remington almost burst out laughing in fury. He’d saved her and this was his thanks – a dig at his humanity?

“Can’t walk upright anymore? All you got left is a sharp tongue, huh? If I’m a mutt, then you’re

mutt’s mate.”

Remington steadied her and then let go.

the mate? What the heck

Cedric stepped up, a respectful reminder in his

notice that Remington showing up had been strictly business. A lineup of suited and booted elites stood at the shoe store’s entrance, all eyes on them, waiting

regal aura was undeniable. His status was clear as

they’d caught her snarky

who looked like they were scared to breathe, “Clean this floor up, get some proper mats for

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Chapter 45

around.”

like their life depended on it, even scribbling

at Lizetta and then walked away without another

ever, “What’s with the leasing strategy here? The advertising’s not cutting it. Who’s still backing

admit, Badass Remington’s got the hardware and software down pat. That aura of his – I didn’t even dare to come over. If only he didn’t have any crap

do I

up recently? Where have you two been rolling in the hay? You’re staying with me – how

this mall belongs to the Dashiell

ignoring Yolanda, but it seemed like

“Hilarious, some people would do anything to marry into wealth and yet they’re stuck browsing at a plebeian shoe store, not minding the shame they bring to the Dashiell family.”

Shirley, looking like

was the sixth child in Remington’s generation and was

in, Shirley relished being the one and only girl, but when the former was adopted, without changing her last name, she stepped