Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Jerome couldn't believe his eyes when he caught Mrs. Bernice Madden, the matriarch of the family, accusing Andrea of being a troublemaker. And what was this? Lizetta, the golden grandchild, was apparently the one filling her grandmother's head with all kinds of nonsense.

"Listen, Andrea, we came to Zion City not for a vacation but to get Grandpa the best treatment from Dr. Wen. With Grandpa out, it's even more important you look after Grandma," he said, his voice dipping with a hint of annoyance.

"I was just trying to take care of Grandma, that's why I wanted her to get some fresh air with me," Andrea protested.

But Mrs. Madden was having none of it. "That's not true. She pinched me! Jerome, do you think she's trying to get rid of me by taking me out and leaving me somewhere?"

Tears welled up in Andrea's eyes, "Grandma, how could you say that? You used to adore me before you got sick. Why are you always against me now?"

She looked genuinely hurt, causing Mrs. Madden to shrink back behind Jerome like a child caught in a misdeed.

Jerome, after inspecting Mrs. Madden's arm and finding the marks to be from a tug rather than a pinch, sighed in frustration.

"Andrea, you're old enough to understand Grandma's condition. Why are you arguing with her over this?"

her eyes brimming with tears, Andrea apologized, "Sorry, Grandma. If you don't want to go out,

to retreat to her room with

don't you call some friends and go out? Buy whatever you like," Jerome suggested, trying to lighten

paying?" Andrea's eyes

eyebrow, "Yes, I'll cover

up spending a

about to leave, Andrea yelped in pain. Her hair had gotten

said, leaning in close, his minty cologne enveloping her,

freed, Andrea tried

Jerome

but he had

to attend to.

the most of her

Jerome, still holding a few strands of Andrea's hair