Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Back to Oakridge Heights.

Fresh out of the shower, Remington descended the stairs only to find Lizetta gently bending over to place roses into a pristine white vase by the living room's floor-to-ceiling window.

She was dressed in a simple loose pink loungewear, her long hair slightly cascading beside her cheeks, eyes lowered with a serene, soft smile on her face.

Outside the floor-to-ceiling window, a vast expanse of twilight sky framed her figure, as if she was a part of the painting.

Remington paused on the staircase, unknowingly captivated for who knew how long.

The next day.

Lizetta stepped out, Lina trailing with luggage in tow.

At the doorway, Lizetta hesitated, turning back for one last silent glance at Oakridge Heights.

"Mrs. Dashiell?"

"Let's go," hearing Lina's call, Lizetta turned and hastened to catch up.

But just as they left the foyer, Remington appeared, striding towards her with Ray and a few bodyguards in tow.

Lizetta's heart skipped a beat, while the man had already stopped in front of her.

"Why are you back?"

He was supposed to be at the company for meetings all morning. His sudden return, with bodyguards no less, had Lizetta feeling both anxious and guilty.

"I came back just to see you off. I've asked Ray to have someone accompany you."

Remington flicked a glance at Ray, who stepped forward with four bodyguards. Lizetta clenched her fists secretly, worried Remington might've sensed something amiss.

Her expression remained unruffled, and she frowned, saying, "No need, having Lina with me is enough. I'm going to a performance, and I'm not the only one in the dance troupe. Having a bunch of bodyguards will stir unnecessary talk; it's inconvenient. sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find_Nøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Plus, Ray is your personal bodyguard. How can I take him with me?"

"Worried about me getting into trouble?" Remington looked down at Lizetta, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Lizetta bit her lip, neither nodding nor denying, seemingly too shy to admit. At the sight of this, Remington's smile deepened.

Knowing his arrangements, Lizetta realized refusing to take any bodyguard would be futile. She then suggested, "Just let him follow me then. We really don't need more people."

She casually pointed at a bodyguard.

Remington studied her for a moment, already having plans to head to Summer City after attending the West family's dinner tonight.

He signaled to the chosen bodyguard, "Omar, take good care of her."

"Rest assured, Mr. Dashiell."

Omar stepped forward, taking the luggage from Lina's hands.

Remington wrapped an arm around Lizetta as they approached the car. Before getting in, she turned and gave Remington a quick hug. Remi, goodbye.

She said to herself, and then quickly let go and got into the car.

Remington was momentarily stunned by her sudden embracep even though that was just a gentle hug, he still felt an unexpected rush, his heart skipping a beat like what a love-struck teenager would react.

By the time he regained his composure, Lizetta was already seated in the car, which slowly drove off, eventually disappearing from his view.

During the night, the West family's mansion was ablaze with lights, the return of the West family's daughter having been the talk of the town for over a month.

Stella had been busy reacquainting

herself with social etiquettes and catching up on various subjects, making hospital visits. Tonight marked her first public appearance in Zion City's elite circle.

The West family placed great importance on the event. Before the dinner, Stella was adorned in jewels, wearing a custom-made red mermaid dress with black velvet long gloves, cleverly concealing any imperfections on her fingers, if not looking at it closely, people wouldn't notice.

She wore a complete set of diamond jewelry, eagerly peering outside from the second-floor window. She was anticipating Remington's arrival; tonight was her moment to shine. Thinking of making a grand

entrance with Remington amidst guests' blessings, and knowing Lizetta would be out of sight in Summer City, Stella could hardly hide her excitement. "Miss, Mr. Dashiell has arrived."

A black Bentley smoothly entered the West family's courtyard; a servant pointed out.

Stella had already spotted him, her face lighting up with a sweet smile as she lifted her dress and hurried outside.

As Remington, in a sleek black suit, stepped out of the car, Stella emerged from the foyer. The last light faded from the sky, and the courtyard lights illuminated her radiant smile. Meanwhile, at Summer City's airport, above the runway filled with immense rectangular strip lights, a plane took off slowly, disappearing into the darkness.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.