Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta looked away, a blush creeping up her cheeks, finding it hard to meet Jerome's gaze. She was about to brush off the tension with a laugh when she heard his voice, smooth and tinged with amusement, from above.

"You're pretty straightforward, aren't you?"

"Uh?" Lizetta looked up, puzzled.

Jerome raised an eyebrow, "I didn't want to scare you, but it seems like you've turned the tables on me."

Lizetta was at a loss for words.

Jerome chuckled, "That's right, I like you."

His admission was candid.

Once everything was out in the open, Lizetta felt less uneasy. She touched her pregnant belly in astonishment, clearly confused.

"But why? I mean, this doesn't make any sense."

Their interactions had been limited. Excluding a brief encounter years ago, by the time they met again, she was already pregnant and he was taking her to the hospital.

Lizetta's expression turned peculiar as a thought crossed her mind.

She wondered if Jerome was one of those men who sought thrill in unconventional relationships. Did he really have such unusual tastes?

in her gaze and let out a

sense. It doesn't ask for reasons or status. It just happens, and I didn't expect to feel this way

I realize that I remembered every detail of our first meeting. Perhaps, I was already moved back then,

had now turned into

it, he'd found himself drawn to her, and

stood there, her expression a mix of

however, had already pulled back, slightly bending towards

feel pressured. My feelings for you aren't

squinted slightly, holding up his

you within my means, to support your decisions, nothing

Jerome's pinky, not

then met his gaze, his deep

intense or mad,

a little bit, this is the first time I've heard such a

It was indeed unique.

Jerome

up, his

wasn't even

bet

I

into it, wasn't I?"