Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz froze as the image of the velvet flower she had accidentally crushed underfoot flashed before her eyes. She had never imagined that it was Remington who had made it himself.

"What are you whispering about?" Remington asked, noticing Cedric leaning in close to Liz and murmuring something. He took a step closer, curiosity evident in his eyes.

Liz felt a sudden rush of panic, as if she had stumbled upon a secret and had been caught by the very person it concerned. Instinctively, she stepped back, trying to put some distance between herself and Cedric. But she misjudged her step and stumbled over the hospital bed.

Cedric, startled, reached out to catch Liz, but his efforts were in vain as Remington moved faster, pulling Liz into his arms. His icy gaze seemed to pierce through Cedric's outstretched hand.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Cedric quickly retracted his hand. "I'll go ask the doctor what kind of supplements are okay to have..." With that, he immediately turned and dashed out.

Remington looked down at the woman in his arms. "What were you and Cedric talking about?"

Liz felt a pang of guilt for no reason. "Nothing much, just small talk."

"Small talk, huh? Then why get so close? Besides, you always seem to have endless topics with him."

Remington was clearly feeling a bit jealous, noticing that Liz seemed to have a closer relationship with Cedric than with him. To her, Cedric appeared to be a friend, while he, Remington, felt he didn't even qualify for that.

Liz caught the unmistakable tinge of jealousy in his eyes, and it made her heart ache in a bittersweet way.

"Liz, how's everything going?" The familiar voice came from the door, and Liz turned to see Jerome striding in confidently.

Jerome's gaze fell on Remington and Liz close together, finally resting on Liz with an inquiring look. Only then did Liz realize she was still in Remington's embrace. She quickly pulled away, greeting Jerome. "My brother woke up! He's fallen back asleep now, though."

"That's great news! We should let the grandparents know right away; they'll be thrilled."

"I'll call them." Liz took out her phone and stepped outside.

Then Jerome turned to Remington. "The Gardenia family owes Mr. Dashiell a big favor for this. If Mr. Dashiell ever needs anything or if there's any way the Madden family can help, we won't hesitate."

Remington scoffed lightly. "Taking care of her brother doesn't count as a favor."

Jerome's expression darkened slightly. "Liz has long ceased being Mr. Dashiell's wife. How does her brother even qualify as Mr. Dashiell's brother-in-law?"

"A former wife is still a wife," Remington replied flatly.

Jerome gave him a look. "Mr. Dashiell, your talent for self-deception is truly admirable."

Remington smirked. "And what role does Mr. Madden play here? The adopted grandson of the Madden family, Liz's brother? Or something else?"

Their gazes locked, both sharp and challenging.

Remington taunted, "Mr. Madden's abilities in self-deception seem even greater than mine."

Jerome knew exactly what

Remington meant; if he was here as

Liz's brother, he shouldn't be acting

like a rival in love. And if he was here as a rival, did Liz even acknowledge it?

Jerome withdrew his gaze, not wanting to continue the conversation, and walked out of the room.

Outside, Liz had just finished her call

with Nelson and was about to head back when she saw Jerome approaching. Her eyes lit up with a smile as she quickly walked up to him.

"Bro, there's not much here to worry about. I'll stay; you go on with your work," she told him.

Jerome nodded slightly, offering a word of caution before leaving.