Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta clutched her purse and took a few steps towards the exit, but then something clicked in her mind. She spun around and headed back into the restaurant's main hall.

Five minutes later, she emerged onto the street, hugging a gigantic teddy bear.

What a mess.

She had arrived in Yolanda's car, but now Yolanda had vanished along with her purse and car keys.

Lizetta needed a ride, so she pulled out her phone to open a ride-hailing app.

It was rush hour, and more than thirty people were ahead of her in line.

Just as she contemplated calling the family driver, a Bentley rolled up slowly.

Behind the wheel was none other than Shawn.

Lizetta's eyes lit up. She and Shawn were acquainted.noveldrama

Even though today's matchmaking between Shawn and Yolanda hadn't panned out, Lizetta still thought highly of him. Maybe she could set them up again next time.

Besides, Shawn was friends with Jerome Madden, so asking him for a ride wasn't too much, right?

Plus, Shawn was the epitome of a gentleman. He was probably already coming over to offer her a lift.

With that thought, Lizetta smiled, clutching the bear, and stepped off the curb to meet him halfway.

But to her surprise, as soon as Shawn's eyes met hers, he looked as if he'd seen a ghost.

His gaze darted away, and in the blink of an eye, the Bentley roared past Lizetta, leaving her in a cloud of exhaust fumes.

Lizetta was in disbelief. She turned to watch the Bentley disappear down the road, and after a moment, she couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity.

Just then, a car horn blared behind her.

Realizing she was blocking the road, Lizetta stepped back onto the sidewalk, still holding the teddy bear.

But the car that honked didn't drive past. Instead, she heard the slam of a car door.

She glanced up from her phone, turning her head.

A tall, imposing figure strode around the front of the car with long, confident strides, stopping right in front of her.

The man had already loosened his

tie, and his black shirt was

unbuttoned at the top. The

afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, dancing across his sharp features, giving him a rugged yet commanding presence.

"Why didn't you leave?" Lizetta asked, a bit startled, her face pale and her eyes wide with surprise and caution.

Remington ignored her unnecessary question. He reached out and effortlessly took the cumbersome teddy bear from her arms.

With her arms free, Lizetta could breathe easier.

In the next moment, Remington grabbed her by the arm and led her off the sidewalk. He opened the car door, stuffed the teddy bear inside, and then lifted Lizetta, placing her in the back seat as well.

"Whoa!"

She hadn't quite settled in yet and ended up sprawled across the seat, face-to-

face with the teddy bear.

Before she could gather herself and sit up, the seat beside her dipped.

Remington had climbed in too.

He was driving a sleek silver Maybach and while the back seat was spacious, it was a tight fit with the oversized bear. Once the man joined them, Lizetta felt like a squished sandwich filling.

"Aren't you driving? You didn't bring a driver, whoa."

Remington's presence was overwhelming, and the tension was palpable.

Lizetta, flustered, tried to make small talk, but before she could finish, her words were silenced as Remington leaned in, capturing her lips with his.