Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington threw a punch that sent the guy's head banging against the car window before snapping back, accidentally planting a kiss on the man's handsome face.

With a click of his tongue, Remington went back to texting on WhatsApp.

"Got any plans for your lunch break?"

"Babe, let's get the hierarchy straight here."

Lizetta's reply was a bright reminder for someone not to expect her to report her every move, especially when they weren't even officially dating.

Seeing her cold response, Remington gritted his teeth.

"Alright, what about in the afternoon then?"

Lizetta had never known Remington to be this clingy. It seemed like he was on a mission to book every single breakfast, lunch, and dinner with her for the next month.

She was almost convinced that if she said the afternoon was no good, he'd start asking about breakfast the next day.

Before she could even reply, the man called her.

As soon as Lizetta answered, Remington's deep voice filled her ear.

"Mr. Temple's birthday bash is in a couple of days. Let's go together. There's a small auction happening after dinner, mostly antiques and collectibles, which are right up the old man's alley. It would be the perfect chance to pick up a birthday gift for Mr. Temple."

Remington hadn't mentioned bringing Lizetta to the Temple family's gathering to meet Mr. Daisynes.

He was worried about potential complications and preferred to keep it under wraps for now.

That way, if Mr. Daisynes didn't show, there'd be no disappointment; and if he did,

it would be a pleasant surprise for Lizetta.

"Mr. Temple's having a birthday, huh?"

Lizetta recalled the times she'd visited the Temple household with Remington during her childhood.

She remembered Mr. Temple as a kind and gentle elder, always treating the younger ones with warmth and fairness.

She even got a Christmas bonus from him once, so she wasn't opposed to attending Mr. Temple's birthday bash.

But...

"I'll just go with my brother," she declined.

The Temples would likely send an invitation to Maple Cottage.

It made more sense for her to attend with Jerome.

Besides, Lizetta and Remington were divorced and not back together. Showing up with him would send the wrong message, suggesting a reconciliation that wasn't on the cards.

On the other end, Remington fell silent.

His disappointment and sadness seemed to travel through the phone.

"You did agree to give us another shot," he said, his voice low and heavy. Lizetta's heart skipped a beat, feeling an unexpected pang of guilt.

She bit her lip, reminding herself to stay clear-headed and not to be swayed by his words into agreeing to something she wasn't ready for.

If she went as Remington's date, it would practically announce their reunion, and she wasn't there yet.

Before she could reassert her stance, Remington spoke again, softer this time.

"I understand your concerns and respect your choice. I'll go by myself."noveldrama

Lizetta was taken aback by his

understanding response. Knowim et

him as someone usually so

determined and stubborn, it was a surprise to see him back down.

Then, he added, "As for tonight's auction, it's just a casual event, nothing major. Just a stroll through, really. You can't say no to that, can you?"

His voice dipped at the end, as if another rejection would truly hurt him.

Lizetta pondered for a moment then replied, "Okay, tonight it is. But I'm having dinner at home first."