Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

She was still struggling with postpartum depression back then; returning to Zion City or seeing Remington again had never crossed her mind.

It wasn't about provoking Remington. But who knew he'd react like a madman upon hearing the news?

"Just call him brother already!" Remington's voice was deep and firm once again.

Lizetta's chest heaved slightly. "Why should I listen to you? Open the car door, or I'm calling the cops!"

As she reached for her phone, Remington just watched her.

"Go ahead, call them. I won't let you out of the car unless you agree to call him brother."

His voice was cold and stubborn.

Lizetta paused, her finger hovering over the dial button, realizing he wasn't joking.

Even if the police came, he wouldn't let her go. She couldn't afford to lose face over something so trivial, not when he was ready to lose everything.

Outside the car window, Jerome was visibly getting anxious and impatient, knocking on the window more forcefully.

"Mr. Dashiell, open the door this instant!" he demanded.

for a moment, tired and exasperated as she looked

you stop being so

words were cut off

title 'brother' is rightfully mine, holding all our memories and stories, Liz. You can

the atmosphere in the car was too oppressive, but

speak, but the words got

earlier in the country club's restroom, when he mentioned washing clothes forher as

crashing over her like waves,

woman at the

brother had been there

phase of her life. As

to breathe,

of sadness glistening in his deep, cool

I'm still your brother. You can't call anyone else brother

he'd make sure they wouldn't live to hear it

he wanted her to only think

gaze cold again, but his expression more obsessive

she resisted,

with a tremble of her lips, she