Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta had always been a bit of a homebody, but finding herself in this situation while out and about was a whole different story. She felt a twinge of embarrassment as Remington glanced down at her with a stern look.

"Behave," he said, quickening his pace.

Lizetta couldn't help but gaze up at the sharp, defined jawline of the man before her; curiosity started to get the better of her.

"Is this really appropriate for you to meet your childhood friend like this, holding me in your arms?"

Remington, catching the hint of jealousy in her voice, looked down with a slight smirk, and stopped in his tracks.

"You're right, maybe you should get down."

Before he could finish his sentence, she instinctively tightened her grip around his neck.

He let out a light chuckle, amused by her actions.

"You said one thing but wanted another."

Lizetta playfully punched his chest, with her cheeks flushed a pale

then, they had already stepped into the

heart race, as she was a bit

she expected some changes which may indicate someone lived there. However, everything was just as

turned to see Stella, who carried a plate of assorted fruits. She paused upon seeing them, then offered a slightly awkward

"Mr. Dashiell?"

hadn't

Lizetta remembered Stella used to address

at Remington questioningly, but he simply nodded towards Stella and introduced Lizetta as his

upon seeing Lizetta. "It's you? We met before, in the restroom of that diner, you burned your

I never got the chance

Stella waved her off, but Lizetta noticed that she was wearing a glove on her right hand, which struck her

a child's voice chimed from the

the strawberries;

in surprise to see a little girl, about four or five, holding a small bowl of strawberries, stepping out of the kitchen. She shyly hid behind her mother, then curiously peeked at Lizetta and Remington. Stella gently told her, "Dorothy, say hi to