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?

gaze

me like that. Falling for someone never makes sense. It doesn't ask for reasons or status. It just happens, and I didn't expect to feel

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

oversight had now

realizing it, he'd found himself drawn to her, and compassion often leads to

a mix of daze and

however, had already pulled back, slightly bending

pressured. My feelings for you

slightly, holding

my means, to support your decisions, nothing

pinky, not sure

his deep eyes clear and smiling, relaxed

not intense or

like just a little bit,

It was indeed unique.

Jerome

ghtened up,

it wasn't even

bet

but I was

it, wasn't