Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"My mom was the assistant and close friend of the late Ms. Madden, Elsa. During a construction site inspection, an accident happened, and my mom died protecting Florence."

Suddenly, a voice came from beside her, causing Lizetta to turn her head in slight surprise, looking at Jerome.

He was looking down at her, making Lizetta realize that he was explaining his connection to the Madden family.

"So that's the story. You must have been quite young back then?"

"Yeah, I grew up in a single-parent home and was barely five when Florence took me to the Madden family. To prevent me from being looked down upon, she gave me the Madden surname, calling her aunt. Aunt Florence was pregnant with Nia at the time but treated me no different than her own. When she passed away, Mr. and Mrs. Madden treated me like their own grandchild, and I've always seen Nia as nothing but my sister..."

By the end of his explanation, Lizetta understood he wasn't just explaining his background but also clarifying his relationship with Andrea.

I see.

Lizetta thought it over; if Jerome was truly raised by the Madden family to be a groomed husband, why would they change his surname to Madden? Treating him as one of their own was the only reason for the surname change. If it were for a son-in-law, there wouldn't have been a name change. But Jerome didn't need to explain all this to her.

Lizetta's gaze shifted, her eyelashes fluttering rapidly, "Actually, I..."

Before she could finish, Jerome chuckled.

a matter of time.

not expecting his straightforwardness,

managed to say after a moment, "Is it

raised an eyebrow, his tone slightly exasperated, "Because you really never give anyone a glimmer

somewhat accusing tone made Lizetta feel shy, unsure of how

to one of friendly teasing,

also struggling, unable to share her turmoil with anyone, not

the wedding because of her; what right did she have to forgive Remington and go back

is not

would people look down on

moment of reflection, Jerome shook his

on you? Matters of the heart are personal; there's no question of being pathetic or not. If you forgive him, it only shows that the warmth and

that was the case, but

Remington appearing in the snowy landscape, his care for her brother, his goofy smile during Daisy's sonogram, and his protective stance

each other's salvation, if there were a first love, no one could

on expecting anything

promise of a new start.