Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz felt a shiver run down her spine as the man caught up to them from behind. Nelson sensed her unease and gently squeezed her hand. Turning to Remington, he asked, "And who might your grandfather be? You sure make it sound like we're old friends."

Remington's gaze rested on Liz, who stood quietly beside Nelson with her head bowed. He spoke in a gentle tone, "Please, Mr. Madden, give us your blessing."

Nelson snorted, clearly not inclined to give any blessings. But then he remembered that if it hadn't been for Remington's call that morning, informing him of the complications at the hospital, they wouldn't have rushed back from Tranquil Meadows so quickly. If not for that, Liz might have already been spirited away by the scheming Hogan.

Moreover, Nelson had just joyfully acknowledged his granddaughter. Thinking about the role Remington played in bringing Liz back home, Nelson managed to suppress his dissatisfaction. He looked at Liz and asked, "Sweetie, do you want to hear him out?"

Liz kept her head down, but she could feel the intense, suffocating gaze fixed on her. He stood in front of her, an immovable figure, as if he wouldn't step back unless she agreed. Liz bit her lip and finally nodded slightly at Nelson.

Nelson patted Liz's shoulder and shot Remington a warning glare before walking ahead with his bodyguards.

Liz faced Remington and met his deep, intense eyes. He had been looking at her with a focus that seemed laden with heavy sorrow and reluctance to let go. When their eyes met, the tension eased, and a smile flickered across his face. His voice was soft as he said, "Congratulations on reuniting with your family."

Liz stared at Remington, taken aback by his reaction. He rarely smiled, often appearing distant and aloof. Even his smiles were usually tinged with mockery. But now, his smile was warm-a sincere congratulation, genuinely happy for her.

Liz was puzzled by his reaction; she thought he wouldn't be pleased andTêxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

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would be angry and upset. Her surprised expression was too evident, filling Remington's heart with a renewed sense of bitterness. After a moment of silence,

continued, "I mean it. The

Hawthorne family abandoned you, the Gardenia family only brought you pain, and the Dashiell family and I..."

Remington's voice grew hoarse. He had always known that Liz had seen the Dashiell family and him as her salvation. She was too pure, grateful, and trusting. He had arrogantly considered himself her savior,

ignoring and doubting her, letting her down and then manipulating her back with small gestures repeatedly failing her until all their affection was exhausted...

Thinking of this, Remington's handsome face turned pale, and his deep eyes briefly reddened. He clenched his fist before forcing a smile.

"Liz, I always prided myself on being

a good brother, thinking that the Dashiell family provided you with a life of luxury, believing you couldn't、 live without the Dashiell family, especially without me. So I ignored your doubts, disappointed you, and manipulated you back, time and again, exhausting our bond... Now, I realize how arrogant and ridiculous was, but I've come to this

understanding far too late, and the cost has been too great..."

Liz looked at the man before her, feeling as if her calm heart had been blown open, her eyes uncontrollably welling up with tears. Seeing her about to cry, Remington suddenly fell silent.