Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Inside his mom's belly, the little one couldn't stand it anymore, and started throwing some serious punches and kicks towards his shameless dad. Remington was gobsmacked.

He stared in disbelief at Lizetta's protruding belly, then touched the spot where he'd felt the kick.

The strength wasn't much, after all, it was a fetus still inside the womb.

But to Remington, it felt incredibly profound, his heart trembling with a peculiar sensation.

He looked up, his eyes intense, a slight smile curving his lips, and in a raspy voice, he said.

"That's my kid, alright! Impressive!"

Lizetta, "..."

Even Daisyy seems annoyed with him, can't he tell?

Clearly, Remington was oblivious.

Because he wrapped his arms around Lizetta's waist again, pressing his handsome face gently against her, and spoke warmly to Daisyy. "Daisyy, missing daddy? Say hi to daddy again."

This time, Daisyy was quiet, proving that the man was just full of himself.

But Remington was persistent, gently poking Lizetta's belly, left and right.

Lizetta looked down at his thick head of hair, feeling the care and anticipation in his movements, her heart swelling with unspoken emotions.

In that moment, they seemed like a sweet couple eagerly awaiting their baby's arrival.

If only it weren't all a facade.

His poking slowed and then stopped, his hand sliding down to Lizetta's thigh, his breath hot and lingering against her abdomen.

He seemed unable to hold on, and fell asleep.

Lizetta lifted a hand to wipe away the moisture at the corner of her eye, then tried to shift his arm from around her.

But she couldn't budge it, sweating from the effort, she had to give up.

She called out for Ray, but all was silent outside.

Yet Lizetta knew Ray had to be there. She pursed her lips, calling out again.

"Ray, if you don't bring in some fever medicine now, he's going to truly burn up into an idiot."

Soon after, Ray walked in, carrying a cup of water and a fever reducer.

You can't take another dose too soon after the first.

Lizetta knew, Remington hadn't

Tanine

She grabbed

the pill, "You're quite the actor ever

Considered busking under a bridge?"

Ray shifted his gaze away, awkward and guilty.

"Ma'am, I'm just a humble worker, really it's all Mr. Remington Dashiell forcing me into these schemes, you believe me, right?"

Lizetta chuckled, forcing the pill into Remington's mouth, then grabbed the water cup, pinching his nose.

As soon as he opened his mouth, she poured in the water. He swallowed hard in his sleep, then started coughing violently.

He let go of the woman in his arms, arching his back, coughing hard, his neck flushed and veins bulging.

It was a pitiful sight.

Ray turned his head away, unable to bear watching.

He thought it might be wise to cancel his holiday blind date.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Stay away from women, cherish life.

Remington had a strong constitution; after taking the

medicine and getting some sleep, he was up, freshened up, in a crisp suit, looking nothing like the sickly, petulant man from before.

Lizetta walked out of the aisle with him, trying to pull away.

"I can walk on my own."

"Airports are crowded, accidents happen."

He reminded her in a low, firm voice.

Lizetta looked around; they were using a VIP corridor, she really couldn't see the crowd he mentioned. But then, she had to eat her words.

"Remington! Liz?"

At the sound of a familiar woman's voice, Stella's lovely figure approached swiftly, dragging her luggage. She was alone, but her presence alone made Lizetta feel the space tighten, the air growing thick.

"Remington, you've found Liz, that's

wonderful. Liz, where have you been all this time? Look at you, pregnant and running around! You have

idea, I've been sticking by

Remington, watching him worry and fret You can't be so reckless next time."