Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta only freaked out for a sec she’d taken so many tumbles while dancing that her muscles have a mind of their own now.

She was about to pull a mid–air twist and flip when a big hand clamped down on her side. Before Lizetta could even process what was happening, she was scooped up off the ground into a full–on bear hug.

Her heart pounding, Lizetta looked up and locked eyes with the man who’d been MIA for a week. The mall’s overhead lights were blinding, but there he was, holding her, his perfectly combed hair catching the starlight, looking like some sort of god with his handsome face.

He was dressed to kill today in a black shirt and a silver–gray checkered tie. His suit wasn’t the run–of– the–mill kind – it had a bold peak lapel design, and with that silver brooch and matching watch gleaming, he was the epitome of posh arrogance.

Lizetta was so stunned being in his arms that she was totally spaced out. Then he whispered in her ear, “What, I’ve been away that long and you couldn’t recognize your own hubby?”

Hubby? That was a new one for Lizetta – she couldn’t help but blush to her roots, all discombobulated.

It wasn’t until she caught the scoffing, not teasing, look in Remington’s eyes that she snapped back to reality.

She pushed him away and hopped down, quipping, “Yep, didn’t recognize you. After all, even a mutt can look like a gentleman for a day.”

Remington almost burst out laughing in fury. He’d saved her and this was his thanks – a dig at his humanity?

“Can’t walk upright anymore? All you got left is a sharp tongue, huh? If I’m a mutt, then you’re

mutt’s mate.” RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

Remington steadied her and then let go.

Mutt and the mate? What the heck – Lizetta was not amused.

“Boss, everyone’s still waiting.” Cedric stepped up, a respectful reminder in his voice.

Only then did Lizetta notice that Remington showing up had been strictly business. A lineup of suited and booted elites stood at the shoe store’s entrance, all eyes on them, waiting for him.

Even among these older folks, Remington’s regal aura was undeniable. His status was clear as day.

Lizetta wasn’t sure if they’d caught her snarky comments, and she blushed, looking down.

Remington addressed the store manager, who looked like they were scared to breathe, “Clean this floor up, get some proper mats for the try–on area, and don’t leave safety hazards lying

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around.”

The manager nodded like their life depended on it, even scribbling notes.

Remington glanced at Lizetta and then walked away without another word.

The elites swarmed him, and he was back in business mode in no time, sharp as ever, “What’s with the leasing strategy here? The advertising’s not cutting it. Who’s still backing this outdated setup?”

As the group moved off, Yolanda rushed over, grabbing Lizetta’s hand and whispering with a squeal, “Gotta admit, Badass Remington’s got the hardware and software down pat. That aura of his – I didn’t even dare to come over. If only he didn’t have any crap to deal with, he’d be perfect.”

Lizetta was helpless, “Why do I feel like you’re trash–talking me?”

Yolanda’s eyes popped, “No way, he’s been eating you up recently? Where have you two been rolling in the hay? You’re staying with me – how come I don’t know squat?”

“Speaking of which, this mall belongs to the Dashiell Group?”

Lizetta went back to trying on shoes, ignoring Yolanda, but it seemed like she wasn’t destined for a peaceful shoe shopping experience today.

A snarky voice came from behind, “Hilarious, some people would do anything to marry into wealth and yet they’re stuck browsing at a plebeian shoe store, not minding the shame they bring to the Dashiell family.”

Lizetta turned around and saw Evelina and Shirley, looking like two peas in a pod.

was Shirley who’d been making the snide remarks. She was the sixth child in Remington’s generation and was the daughter of Remington’s uncle.

Before Lizetta was taken in, Shirley relished being the one and only girl, but when the former was adopted, without changing her last name, she stepped into the family hierarchy and had Remington’s backing.

Whatever Shirley had, Remington made sure Lizetta had too – and often, what he gave Lizetta was even better than what was planned for Shirley.

High and mighty Ms. Shirley Dashiell couldn’t stand it. So, to Shirley, Lizetta had always been a thorn in her side. It was no surprise that Shirley and Evelina were thick as thieves..

“Do you like the shoes here, Sis? Pick any pair, I’ll buy them for you. After all, they’re not expensive.”

Evelina came over, sounding all generous, as if she’d completely forgotten the slap she’d received.

Lizetta motioned to a shopping guide, “Bring me one of each size from these two rows; she’s footing the bill.”

She pointed at Evelina, whose smile instantly stiffened, “Sis.”

Yolanda rolled her eyes. “If you can’t afford it, shut it. Seriously. I’m so done with people who flaunt what they lack!”

“It’s not that I can’t afford it, or that I’m stingy with you, but buying so many shoes is just

wasteful when you can’t wear them all.”