Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

He'd made it clear from the start-he wasn't giving up!

Lizetta glanced out the window, staying silent. Yet, she couldn't help but wonder: could a man like Remington actually pursue a woman? And what would that pursuit look like? Would he, like any other guy, write love letters, whisper sweet nothings, be at her beck and call, stay up all night watching Netflix and chatting, doing all sorts of mundane things together?

By the time Remington and Lizetta arrived at the restaurant's private dining room, the Maddens were already comfortably seated. Mrs. Bernice Madden had been eagerly awaiting their arrival, with Nelson having to constantly soothe her to prevent her from running out to the street in anticipation.

The sight of Lizetta brought a childlike smile to the elderly lady's face, radiating an innocence that was truly heartwarming. "Elsa, take a seat here!" Mrs. Bernice Madden stood up, pulling Lizetta to the empty chair next to her, eagerly sharing the delectable dishes she'd ordered.

Naturally, Nelson sat on the other side of Mrs. Bernice Madden, with Jerome next to Lizetta, and Andrea beside Jerome. This arrangement left Remington no choice but to sit between Andrea and Nelson, clearly a move to separate him from Lizetta.

Without taking his seat, Remington approached Jerome's chair. "Mr. Madden, would you mind swapping places? Liz isn't feeling well, and I'd like to take care of her."

Jerome, without even glancing up, leaned over to fill Lizetta's glass with water, stating, "Taking care of her isn't a hassle, just a simple gesture. No need for all the fuss of switching seats, Mr. Dashiell. Please, take a seat."

ease, deeply engaged in conversation with Mrs. Bernice Madden, indifferent to who was seated beside her. Was she deliberately ignoring his gaze, perhaps

Well then!

and Nelson, directly opposite Lizetta.

Feeling uncomfortable, Lizetta

focused her attention elsewhere.

soft laugh, remarking, "Mr.

move, just like grandparents.

Dashiell has turned into a love-struck

Bernice Madden paused her conversation to look over. Remington, however, remained composed, his gaze fixed on Lizetta, now even more focused. As their eyes met, he smiled, "The love between Mr. Madden and Mrs. Bernice Madden is truly

felt like a public declaration of love. Lizetta's cheeks burned with embarrassment, and she quickly looked

continued, "You see, brother? Mr. Dashiell and Mrs. Dashiell can't take their eyes off each other, even across the