Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Fiona could see it clear as day - Mrs. Bernice Madden genuinely adored Lizetta. Maybe, just maybe, a change of scenery, a brand new environment, could help her move on faster. When Cassius heard Fiona speak up, despite his worry and discomfort for Remington, he frowned but didn't object further.

Jerome then picked Lizetta up and started making their way downstairs.

At the doorstep, waiting for the chauffeur to bring the car around, Lizetta, who had been quietly leaning on Jerome, stirred slightly.

Jerome, sensing the movement, looked down at her with gentle eyes. "What is it?" he asked, wondering if she was looking for Remington, if there was something she still wanted to say to him. But with her pale lips quivering, she simply said, "Grandma..."

Immediately, Jerome turned around to face Fiona, who was being supported by Tina.

"Fiona, Liz has something she wants to tell you."

Fiona thought Lizetta didn't even want to acknowledge her anymore. Surprised by the remark, she hurried over.

"Liz, Grandma's here..."

Lizetta gave Fiona a weak smile, "Fiona, I'll visit you once I'm feeling better."

Fiona's eyes instantly welled up with tears, almost spilling over.

She couldn't help but notice the shift in Lizetta's address. For years, it had always been 'Grandma', and now it was 'Fiona'.

It was as if Lizetta was truly stepping out of the Dashiell family's door, no longer one of them.

Yet, the child, with her kind heart and grateful spirit, was still comforting her, assuring her that she bore no grudge against her grandmother.

Fiona turned her head to hide her tears, then gently patted Lizetta on the shoulder.

"Alright, then. Fiona will be waiting for you," she managed to say.

Lizetta nodded lightly.

At that moment, a servant came in to announce the car was ready. Jerome, looking down, said softly, "It's windy outside, how about we

put

on a scarf?"

Noticing the sweat on Lizetta's forehead, Jerome was worried she might catch a cold.

Yolanda stepped forward, quickly wrapping a scarf around Lizetta's neck, adjusting it so that it covered her face snugly.

With that, Jerome strode out of the Dashiell mansion, Yolanda and Mrs. Bernice Madden following close behind.

The Madden family's car was parked outside the hall. After descending the steps and walking a few paces, Lizetta was helped into the car with Yolanda and Mrs. Bernice Madden getting in after to take care of her.

Jerome, having driven himself over, saw they were all settled before getting into the driver's seat.

As he opened the door to get in, he instinctively glanced towards the second-floor balcony.

There, a tall, dark silhouette stood, silently watching.

The night blurred the man's features, making it impossible to discern his expression.

Jerome didn't try to make it out. He bent into the car and smoothly drove away.

The weather was beautiful that evening, with nightfall approaching.

Yet, a hint of twilight lingered in the sky, the lights of the Dashiell family's mansion lit one by one, casting a glow on the car as it slowly departed. Remington watched, his mind drifting back to the night when Thaddeus had carried Lizetta to the Dashiell family's doorstep.

That night he had welcomed her

into the Dashiell home, believing she would always be a Dashiell, whether

as a sister or a wife, forever bound

to him, Remington.

But now, she was truly leaving.Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

As the twilight faded completely and the warm summer breeze blew, Remington felt as if his heart was caught in an eternal snowfall.

A turmoil stirred within him, and he gripped the railing to steady himself, but a familiar bitter sweetness rose in his throat.