Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

She suspected he did it on purpose!

Lizetta lifted her head, her eyes accusingly locking onto his. She thought to herself what a load of nonsense, claiming to take things slow; he was just a big

liar.

However, what she was met with was the man's incredibly innocent and sincere gaze. He even looked puzzled as he spoke.

"I noticed you left your clothes out here. I've finished using the bathroom; you can go in now. Where else would you go?"

With that, the man walked to the other side of the bed, not touching her at all.

But Lizetta didn't feel relieved; instead, she felt like she was overthinking things and making a fool of herself. She felt even more awkward.

"What are you standing there for? Go ahead. Or would you rather stay and watch me change?"

Remington had reached the bed and, seeing her frozen in place, teased her with a smile.

He even pretended to tug at the towel around his waist, which sent Lizetta scrambling to grab her clothes and dash into the bathroom.

Remington watched the bathroom door close and took a few deep breaths.

The way she reacted, all flustered and embarrassed like a schoolgirl, was absolutely adorable—and incredibly enticing.

He couldn't help but want to tease her a little, but his body didn't seem to agree with him; even being close was like playing with fire.noveldrama

With a self-deprecating chuckle, Remington turned to find his clothes.

Just one glance, and all the calming breaths he had taken were in vain.

Right there, among his clothes, was a pair of delicate white panties, soft lace and all, looking both innocent and alluring.

Remington felt a vein throb in his forehead.

He glanced at the bathroom door, now closed with the sound of running water coming from behind it, and rubbed his temples.

Meanwhile, Cassius had just finished his shower and was about to find some balm for the bruise on his chest.

But when he looked up, he saw someone sitting on the couch.

"Jeez! Remi, my man, I went out of my way to create some quality alone time for you with your wife, and here you are, sulking with a smoke instead of making the most of it!"

Remington had a cigarette between his fingers and, upon hearing Cassius, took another drag, exhaling slowly without even looking at him.

Cassius found it amusing. Still drying his hair, he plopped down next to

Remington, speaking with the familiarity of old friends.

"Remi, I get it. You're frustrated, feeling like you lack the charm, and your wife kicked you out, right?"

Remington took another drag, his handsome face slightly hollowed

haring his sharp features. The

thin veil of smoke escaping his lips added a mysterious, storied aura.

Just wow.

Even as a guy, Cassius was momentarily mesmerized. How could Remington not win Lizetta over with that kind of presence?

What kind of taste do women have these days? They're blind as bats, every last one of them.

Cassius was lost in thought when Remington stubbed out his cigarette and asked in a low voice.

"Who got her clothes ready?"

Cassius paused, instantly understanding that 'her' could only mean Lizetta.

He was a bit puzzled as he replied, "Of course, I had the housekeeper prepare them. Why?"

Thinking of the rather risqué lingerie, Remington's eyes darkened.

Thank goodness it wasn't Cassius

who

he

red them. No way would y another man to select

personal items for his womit

"Nothing." Remington nodded.

such

Cassius was even more puzzled, not realizing he'd narrowly avoided a dangerous situation.

"Since you're here, could you help me with the balm?"

Cassius grabbed the ointment and sat back down next to Remington, loosening his robe.

Remington immediately stood, looking down at him with disdain, one hand in his pocket.

"Stop being such a drama queen. Let that bruise remind you for a while."

Cassius flared up, "I didn't do anything! What am I supposed to learn? If anyone should learn a lesson, it's that crazy Yolanda!"

Seeing his friend's frustrated

expression and hearing his defiance when mentioning Yolanda,

jel

Remington's demeanor shifted slightly as he asked.

"What are you planning to do about Yolanda?"