Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta couldn't help but feel that Nathan might have a point, despite the chaos that seemed to be swirling around Remington today. With folks like Camille and Lucian, who always treated her kindly, to the likes of Shirley's family, who never missed a chance to throw a jab her way, and others who remained indifferent, the gathering was a mixed bag. These were people who had watched her grow up, and she felt that airing her and Remington's private matters in such a setting was unnecessary. Moreover, she didn't see a future where she and Remington would rekindle their past romance.

As she made a move to try and stop Remington from making a scene, Fiona held her hand and said, "Why all the fuss? The wife of Remington is to be the future matriarch of the Dashiell family. It's his personal business as well as a family matter for the Dashiells. If Remington doesn't mind sharing, why shouldn't we, as his elders, listen to what he has to say about his marriage?"

Fiona's words were followed by a frown directed at Nathan. "Nathan, Remington is your son. Aren't you the least bit concerned about his emotional and marital well-being? Your way of fathering is what's truly haphazard!"

Nathan was anything but indifferent to Remington's romantic endeavors. His dissatisfaction lay with his daughter-in-law, which was why he had reprimanded Remington.

"Mom, how could I not care about my son? But when a leader of a corporation behaves with such a lack of steadiness, treating his feelings and marriage like child's play... First, he rushes into a wedding, then embarrasses himself by not showing up, turning the Dashiell family into a laughingstock. One day he's divorcing, the next he's talking about remarriage without any solid plans. His actions are utterly ridiculous. As his father, am I not allowed to criticize him?"

Lizetta was well aware of this, a touch of self-derision flashing across her lips.

by the matriarch in front of the younger family members, struggled to maintain his dignity, his words

decided to simply enjoy her tea and the unfolding drama.

criticisms of Remington weren't

and Liz ended up in divorce? If you had

believed that Remington

misunderstandings, they had been working through their issues, potentially heading towards a lifelong commitment,

had turned so extreme partially due to

bore a significant share of the blame, so how could he stand there

that Lizetta was unaware of Hanna's role, Fiona bit