Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta's cheeks flushed a deep shade of crimson in an instant. Biting her lip, she pushed her chair back and stood up.

"I need to use the restroom," she murmured, quickly making her way out.

Remington lightly touched the corner of his mouth, noticing a faint trace of blood on his fingertip. Without offering an explanation, he flashed a mysterious smile and stood up as well.

"She's not feeling well. I'll go check on her. Enjoy your meal, everyone," he said, following her out.

They left one after the other, and Andrea turned to Jerome with a knowing look.

"Bro, you saw that, right? Even though they're separated, the spark's still there. Maybe you should stop playing the villain here. You're standing up for Mrs. Dashiell, but for all you know, she might find you more annoying than helpful!"

Jerome's expression remained unchanged. He took a sip of his wine before responding.

"She won't think that."

like that, and Remington should realize the whispers and rumors Lizetta had to endure because of him. If he couldn't handle that much, he didn't deserve to

know? Since when did you get so close to her?

freshly squeezed juice. "Just eat your food, will

looking out for you because I care, okay? It's not like anyone else will. Grandpa,

and said, "Jerome, Liz is a fine woman,

Grandpa agrees. Instead of pining for someone who's taken, why not pay more attention to me? I'm pretty good-looking too, you know." Resting her chin on her

at that face of yours since we were kids. No matter how much I see it, you'll always be my little sister." Andrea felt slighted. "But I

Andrea, cut it out!"

at eight, and even if Remington treated her like a sister back then, he was well aware she wasn't his real sister. But how could Andrea and he be same? He was adopted by the Maddens before Andrea

up with tears as she clenched her fists. "It's not different at all. You're being

pushing her chair

head but didn't

to the Madden, family, so if there was a chance for him and Andrea, the elders would've been happy. After all, Jerome had been raised in their care, proving himself to be responsible and of good character. But Jerome clearly had no romantic interest