Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington's handsome features instantly tensed up, as if a chill wind had swept through. He clenched his fists tightly.

The way Lizetta called another man "brother" kept echoing in his ears—a term that used to be reserved just for him! He couldn't accept it; a cold shadow flickered in his eyes.

"Just got back, and if you're coming to Zion City, of course, I'd set things up for you. The house is all ready, and Yolanda can stay over for now. Oh, and I had Mary whip up some desserts and fruit, why don't you bring her inside?"

Jerome, dressed in a set of dark grey loungewear and slippers, exuded a relaxed aura. Standing next to Lizetta, they looked like the hosts of the house, welcoming a guest together. His gaze towards Lizetta was affectionate and clearly doting.

Lizetta looked up at him and nodded, "Brother's the best. Yoli, let's go check out your room. If you don't like it, we can bunk together; it's been ages since we had a good chat."

Eagerly, Lizetta turned back, linking arms with Yolanda, ready to lead her inside. From the moment she saw Jerome, she hadn't given Remington another glance. It was as if she had forgotten he was there, or as if he was someone of no consequence, not worth a backward glance or a goodbye.

"Liz! What did you just call him?"

Remington couldn't help but step forward, his voice hoarse as he stared at the back of Lizetta's head, his tone the sternest it had been since their reunion.

Lizetta paused, turning to face him. Meeting his stormy gaze, she simply curved her lips slightly and said, "Mr. Dashiell, how I address someone is my business, and I don't believe you have any say in it. I appreciate your help today, Mr. Dashiell, and I promised to treat you to a meal, but let's keep things clear. Please don't misunderstand anything, nor overstep."

Lizetta's words were not particularly harsh, and she even wore a polite smile on her face. But to Remington, each word felt like a knife, cutting deep.

His handsome face paled slightly,

and he let out a scoff, turning to

leave without another word net

His

departing figure was brisk, clearly fueled by anger. He was furious.

However, Lizetta seemed unconcerned, merely turning to Yolanda. "Let's grab something to eat, then figure out what to do next."

Jerome lingered a step behind, his gaze darkening as he watched Remington's retreating figure before turning to follow inside.

Yolanda, tagging along with Lizetta into the living room, whispered to her, "What was that about? Were you trying to tick off Badass Remington on purpose?"

Yolanda was also shocked. Lizetta

had called Jerome "brother," a term that used to be exclusively Remington's. Remington's expression just then had been, priceless. Yolanda thought, 'ThisBelonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

must've really got under his skin.'

Lizetta glanced at Yolanda, smiling, "Why would I purposely provoke him? It's just a nickname."

Yolanda was even more astonished,

eager to ask if Remington really was history to Lizetta, and if she was considering giving Jerome a chance. But then Jerome came in. Yolanda had to stop herself, nodding in gratitude to Jerome.

"I'll be imposing on you these next few days, Mr. Madden."