Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

As Lizetta and Remington stepped out of the hospital building, they were about to go their separate ways when his phone rang. "Hey, Grandma," he answered.

It was Fiona Dashiell.

Lizetta paused instinctively, not wanting to eavesdrop, but Remington turned to look at her.

"Yeah, she's here. We're still together."

It was clear Fiona was asking about her.

"Hold on a sec, Grandma. Let me check with her."

Lizetta looked puzzled, and Remington explained.

"Ethan and his wife had a fight, and it got back to Grandma. She heard you're back in Zion City and wants you over for dinner."

Lizetta had kept in touch with Fiona during her four months in Tranquil Meadows, but she hadn't told Fiona about her return this time, not wanting to worry the elderly lady.

She had planned to visit her in a couple of days, after settling down, but she hadn't expected the news of Shirley's family's troubles to reach her first.

She wondered if Fiona would read too much into it.

Seeing Lizetta's hesitation, Remington softly said, "It's okay if you don't want to go. I can tell Grandma."

He thought she might be reluctant to return to the Dashiell family estate, considering the memories it held for them both.

Lizetta smiled lightly, "I was just thinking, the gift I prepared for Fiona is still at Maple Cottage. I need to pick it up."

Relieved at her agreement, Remington's expression softened.

"I'll go with you."

After a quick trip to Maple Cottage, they arrived at the Dashiell family estate an hour later.

The car slowly entered through the grand gates, the estate looking as timeless as ever.

Lizetta found the familiar setting bittersweet.

She remembered the day she left; Jerome holding her, her

grandmother gripping her hand, on the verge of tears, filled

sorrow.

en.sws.net

Now, the emotions stirred by Remington over the past few days froze over instantly.

Yet, Lizetta noticed several cars in the courtyard, suggesting guests at the estate?

But knowing she was coming, Fiona, who always considered her feelings, wouldn't normally invite others.

With curiosity, Lizetta followed Remington into the foyer.

The chatter in the vast living room ceased abruptly.

All eyes turned their way, and Lizetta was surprised to see the room filled with Dashiell family members.

Not guests, but her own family, including Ethan and his family. Except for the two younger members abroad, everyone was present.

Including Nathan, Ethan with scratchUpstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g

marks on

his face, Wendy with

swollen, bruised eyes, and Shiel net

g exceptionally sour.

Fiona sat in the center of the sofa, her face lighting up with joy as she saw Lizetta, standing up immediately.

"Liz! My dear heart, you finally came to see me, I've missed you so, you heartless girl!"

Despite her age, the silver-haired lady moved swiftly, waving off attempts to help her as she reached out to Lizetta.

Fearing Fiona might stumble in her haste, and feeling emotional herself, Lizetta quickly stepped forward to embrace her. "Fiona, I've missed you too."

"Oh, you little liar. You definitely

haven't missed me as much as I've missed you. Without my Liz, my little ray of sunshine, nothing tastes good anymore. Look, even my haichas gone whiter missing you."