Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Liz..." Remington couldn't help but speak up, feeling the need to offer a sincere apology.

But just then, Lizetta's phone rang, cutting him off.

Without acknowledging Remington's call, she swiftly pulled out her phone, her lips curving into a smile as she answered.

"Yeah, I'm in Zion City now, just left the airport. I'm fine, don't worry about me."

Remington thought it was Yolanda on the line, but Lizetta's next words caught him off guard.

"Dora's in the hospital. I got in touch with her as soon as I landed. Thankfully, her injuries aren't serious, or I'd never forgive myself..."Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

Remington's expression turned icy, his hand tightening by his side.

It had to be Jerome Madden on the line!

"Really? So, I'll get to see Dora again? Can't wait. I'll play host, make sure she's treated right."

"Alright, I got it. If I need help, I'll definitely reach out to you..."

As Lizetta chatted away, smiling, her phone was suddenly snatched from her hand.

Frowning, she turned to see Remington disconnecting her call.

Lizetta had considered herself quite the emotionally stable pregnant woman these past months, but Remington had a knack for getting under her skin in seconds. "What gives you the right to hang up my call? Give it back!"

She reached for the phone, but Remington shifted it to his other hand.

"To let you keep flirting over the phone with him?"

"What did you say?! Jerk!"

Lizetta felt insulted. A normal phone call, in his eyes, was flirting? Then what was his deal with Stella?

Did wrapping it up in sibling affection make it okay to blur lines?

Furious, Lizetta swung at Remington.

He caught her hand, "Isn't it the truth? Back in Luminesia, you were living under the same roof. Are you planning to be with him after the divorce? Do you like him?" His questions were sharp, his gaze piercing.

Lizetta found it absurd, "Remington, you're not in a position to ask me this. Let go!"

But Remington coldly retorted, "I'll never let another man be Daisyy's father!"

"What do you mean?" Lizetta frowned, a sense of dread settling in.

Remington's lips twisted into a mocking smile, stressing each word, "If you want custody, then promise you won't date or remarry."

Lizetta was livid, disbelief written all over her face.

"You're despicable!"

Remington chuckled, "No, just like I promised, I won't let Daisyy call any woman other than you, mom. How about I make it official in the divorce agreement? I, Remington, will not remarry, and Daisyy will be under my care. Fair, isn't it?"

So, to get Daisyy's custody, she had to agree not to date or remarry?

Lizetta's face turned pale with anger, knowing this man wouldn't let her off easily.

"Liz, I'm willing to vow never to remarry for Daisyy's sake, but you hesitate. Seems I love Daisyy more. Maybe it's better if I keep her so you're free to find your happiness..."

Lizetta snapped, "Fine, I agree!"

Remington's lips curved slightly, releasing her wrist and handing back her phone, saying, "Good. Daisyy," your dad just made sure your mom loves you very, very much.

But Lizetta realized she'd been baited!

He'd trapped her again!

Grinding her teeth, unable to swallow her pride, she coldly said, "Five years!"

Remington raised an eyebrow, "What five years?"

"Until Daisyy is five, I promise not to date or remarry. Not a day more!"

Without hesitation, Remington agreed.

"Deal."

Five years, he thought, should be enough to win her back.

As for Jerome, Hogan White, and the like, if they could endure five years without commitment, he'd tip his hat to them.

Fuming, Lizetta clenched her phone, turning to gaze out the window.

Remington, on the other hand, was in high spirits when his phone rang with some good news.