Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta Gardenia opened the text message and read its content.

"Congratulations on your new job! I've prepared a little something for you, it should be arriving any moment now. Enjoy your first day."

The fact that Remington Dashiell knew about her joining Madden Media so quickly didn't surprise her. In Zion City, Rem seemed to have eyes and ears everywhere. "Lizetta Madden, there's a delivery for you."

Lost in thought, Lizetta was brought back to the present by the sound of footsteps and a young woman's voice behind her.

Turning around, she saw the receptionist carrying a large cardboard box towards her. Lizetta quickly reached out to take it, placing it on the table with a word of thanks. However, the receptionist, Snow, lingered, leaning in with curiosity.

"The guy who dropped this off was in a suit. Who is he to you? What's in such a big box? Need some help with it?"

Her face was lit with a sweet smile, her eyes brimming with curiosity, her demeanor friendly and enthusiastic.

Lizetta thanked her again, declining the offer, but Snow insisted on helping.

As Lizetta opened the box, she worried about what extravagant item Remington might have sent. However, the contents left her momentarily stunned. Inside were all sorts of common, yet useful items.

There was a soft throw pillow, a beautiful desk ornament, a calendar, a small mirror, a rechargeable hand warmer, a tiny vase, a coffee mug, a mouse pad... A plethora of useful items, even including a pair of soft slippers at the bottom.

"Wow, how pretty and cute! Lizetta, is the sender your boyfriend by any chance? This is just too thoughtful. And look, there's even a bunch of roses." Snow's voice was filled with envy, drawing the attention of two other young female coworkers.

Lizetta, not fond of being the center of attention, replied with a subdued smile, "No, these are just some things I arranged to have delivered myself."

Snow remembered the man who made the delivery, who definitely didn't look like your average courier, but more like a butler or driver from a wealthy household.

Picking up the roses, she said, "You even prepared flowers for yourself? This Matcha Forest rose color is so unique and beautiful. Shall I put them in a vase for you?" The other coworkers, Lilian and Jessica, also chimed in with smiles.

"Lizetta, with the last name Madden, you wouldn't happen to be related to the big boss, would you?"

"I think I've seen this ornament in a magazine. It's by the famous ceramie artist, Mr. Aries, worth over ten thousand, right? Lizetta, don't tell me you're the Florence Madden who just returned to the Madden family?"

Lizetta took the dancing porcelain doll ornament that Jessica was holding and put it back in the box.

"How could that be? It's just a coincidence I share the Madden name. And this ornament isn't real; it's a replica."

Though Lizetta had arrived in

Jerome Madden's car that morning,

she had asked to be dropped off near the office. Jerome's offer to drive her was kind, but Lizetta

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preferred not to reveal her identity too soon.

Nelson Madden wanted her to gain experience, and if everyone knew she was Florence, they might treat her more like a mascot than a coworker.

Lizetta had no real work experience. Her background was in dance, and though she had spent a year in Remington's executive office, she had been doing clerical work. She was keen to learn something substantial.

Hearing her denial, Snow and the others cooled off a bit.

Noticing Snow still holding the small bunch of roses, Lizetta offered with a smile,

"You don't need to put the roses in a

vase for me. If you guys like them, feel free to take some. Consider thema welcome gift from me. Mrs. Laura is looking over here.

Snow and the others glanced towards the manager's office and, taking two or three roses each, dispersed.