Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Dora quickly assured she could handle it and pushed open the door and entered the room across from Lizetta's.

Lizetta settled back into her chair, her gaze drifting over the array of vitamins, pastries, and snacks piled on the table. She looked at Jerome and said, "These count as your second gift to me. I still haven't found a way to return the favor for that bouquet you gave me last time. I'm really sorry about that."

She was reminded of the bouquet that got ruined by Remington right in front of Jerome, which made her feel somewhat guilty.

Jerome, however, spoke up, "Last time wasn't the first."

"Huh?" Lizetta was surprised.

Jerome arched an eyebrow, "The first thing I ever gave you was a tube of anti-inflammatory ointment. I wonder if you remember?"

That year, Jerome had personally visited the dance academy to scout for talent.

As his car entered the academy, the driver, not at his best, nearly hit a child who darted out unexpectedly.

At the critical moment, a slender figure rushed forward to pull the child to safety.

When Jerome got out of the car, he saw the girl and the child had both fallen to the ground.

Jerome wanted to take her

on

more passion and grace than

some ointment, intending to personally deliver it to her, especially since he

he worried that personally delivering it might make her subject to misunderstandings among her peers, suggesting she had gotten the position through personal connections rather than talent.

at Lizetta, Jerome felt a twinge

personally delivered the cream back

ointment." Lizetta

surprise, "Ah! So it

hadn't left a deep impression on her, she hadn't recognized him until now which showed

found this somewhat comforting. He smiled softly

you danced that day despite being injured, showed me how much you love dance

her, but there was a hint

his gaze as she stood up, "I

following her

press further but stood up, put on his gloves, and left the

flower stand,