Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz had just finished tidying up her desk, an hour had passed, and she finally sat down to reply to Remington's text.

"I don't need these things. Have someone pick them up."

Remington, who seemed to have been glued to his phone, responded almost instantly.

"If you don't like them, just throw them away. I'll pick something else and send it over."

Liz imagined the next batch of gifts from Remington might be even more extravagant, prompting her to rub her temples in exasperation.

An hour later.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Remington wrapped up his meeting and exited the conference room, handing his phone back to his assistant, Charlie.

Charlie, trying to curry favor, asked, "Boss, do you need anything else?"

Though Charlie was puzzled about what was so special about his phone, given that Remington had clung to it throughout the meeting, checking it numerous times.

"That's all for now," Remington said, a hint of resignation in his eyes.

Because Liz had unceremoniously added his number to her block list.

Stepping into his office, a baffled Charlie was left examining his phone for any clue as to what Remington had done with it but found nothing.

Could it be that the boss saw potential in him, checking if he'd badmouthed him on social media before considering a promotion?

With this thought, Charlie quickly logged into his social media accounts, nervously reviewing his posts.

His hope lasted until, half a month later, nearly everyone in the secretary's office had their phones borrowed by the boss. That's when Charlie realized he had been mistaken. But back to the present, in the boss's office, Cedric had just relayed news from Madden Media to Remington.

"Boss, your wife ended up using the things you sent."

Remington's lips curved slightly at the news.

"Does this mean she doesn't hate me as much anymore?"

He posed the question to Cedric,

who hesitated before answering et

"Well, boss, about the dozen rosès you sent her... she gave them to a colleague..."

A dozen roses symbolized a love that grows stronger with each passing day.

Remington had carefully chosen the number of roses to express his feelings without being overly extravagant.

But she had just given them away?

Remington's expression darkened slightly. "She didn't keep even one?"

Cedric remained silent, prompting Remington to dismiss him, "Leave."

Though Remington said nothing more, Cedric felt the office atmosphere grow tense.

He paused, then turned back, hoping to lighten the mood and perhaps secure his plans for buying a new river-view apartment this year.

Cedric showed Remington a photo on his phone.

"Boss, take a look at this rose, isn't it nice?"

Remington glanced at the photo, spotting a handmade rose that looked like it was made from felt.

He looked up at Cedric, who quickly explained.

"Boss, I saw this on Una's desk; it caught my eye because it looked unique. Una said she made it herself, originally as a craft project with her daughter using pipe cleaners. They had leftovers, so she made this rose."

BUMS

Remington's gaze turned icy as he stared at Cedric, wondering why Cedric thought he'd be the type of man to indulge in such childish crafts to impress a woman.