Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta nestled in the man's embrace, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and shock.

Flashes of her childhood flickered before her eyes, her shoulders trembling slightly as she spoke in a hoarse voice.

"I can barely remember anything from before I was six, living with the Hawthornes. It's all a blur until I was kicked out...

Being abandoned was terrifying, but I knew Evelina was the rightful Hawthorne child, and going back to the Gardenias was where I belonged.

I entered the Gardenia household full of hope, but the first time I called Hans 'Dad,' I was met with a slap across the face. After that, beatings and going hungry became a part of my daily life.

I often despaired, wondering why I was cursed with such parents. But we don't get to choose our parents, so all I could do was swallow my tears and endure.

And now you're telling me it was all a lie, that they aren't my real parents. What does that make all the suffering and beatings I endured?!"

Lizetta choked up, her fists clenched, trembling with rage.

She wasn't a Gardenia child; they could have handed her over to the police or sent her to an orphanage.

Anything would have been better than this deception, letting her endure years of physical and emotional torment.

"Liz, it's a good thing you're not a Gardenia. They never deserved to be your parents! If you still want to find your real family, I'll help you search!

And if you don't want to search, that's fine too. You've got Daisy and me! Even if I mess up and you don't want me around, I'll always be here for you, Liz."

Remington's large hands gently stroked Lizetta's hair, soothing her trembling frame with a voice so tender it was uncharacteristic.

Gradually, under his consolation, Lizetta's emotions began to settle. She could feel his warmth, his heartbeat, his familiar scent and embrace.

A crack appeared in the icy shell around her heart, warmed by his gentle words, slowly thawing the chill and pain.

This unsettling feeling made her push Remington away, wiping her cheeks awkwardly.

"Don't flatter yourself. I've got Daisy, and that's enough for me!"ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Seeing her spirit return, Remington didn't mind her harsh words and nodded.

"Alright, whenever you're ready to have me back, just say the word."

Lizetta found his shamelessness unbearable, a mix of cringe and bravado.

She pursed her lips, looking away, only to see Thaddeus lying there

quietly which brought annet

pang

to her heart and tears to her eyes once more.

"Hans was brutal, Daisylin indifferent. If it weren't for my brother protecting me, I would have diedtong ago... but it's my fault my brother is like this..."

The car accident Thaddeus was in happened while he was handling a financial dispute case.

Lizetta had looked into it, fearing that this financial case had brought disaster upon Thaddeus.

But to think it was all because of her!

Swamped with guilt, Remington, feeling helpless, pulled her into his arms to comfort her.

"Don't cry, how could this be your fault? The accident was unexpected, and besides, your brother has been recovering well. He's going to wake up. I'm sure of it."

Her tears had already soaked through Remington's shirt, softening his heart.

His voice, filled with a soothing power, made Lizetta lift her head from his embrace.

"Really?"

"Of course," Remington assured, his fingertips gently wiping away her tears, his eyes full of sympathy.

Lizetta nodded, wanting to believe him like she did when she was a little girl.

Because the little Lizetta who believed in her brother never faced disappointment.

Could this mean Thaddeus would really wake up?

Avoiding Remington's gaze, Lizetta calmed down, and when she looked at him again, her eyes were filled with a bitter resolve.

"I want to confront Daisylin myself."

Maybe Daisylin knew the truth about her origins. Even if she didn't, Lizetta needed to ask Daisylin why she had been deceived for so many years.