Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz turned on her heel, took a couple of steps, then paused and looked back.

Tina, assuming Liz was worried about not having clothes, quickly reassured her. "Don't worry, there are clothes for you in the master bedroom..."

Liz interrupted, "Tina, just call me Liz from now on, okay?"

Tina blushed slightly, "Oops, sorry, old habits die hard. Don't be mad, Miss Liz."

Liz smiled, then asked, "Tina, where are Mrs. Hanna Dashiell and Joseph today? I haven't seen them around."

Tina's eyes flickered. Hanna had been taken to a psychiatric hospital by Remington for treatment and hadn't returned since. Joseph Dashiell, after undergoing a stem cell transplant, had recovered quickly. Two months ago, he was discharged and resumed normal life. However, knowing the truth about his recovery, Joseph hid upon hearing of Liz's visit.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"Joseph hasn't been feeling well, so Mrs. Hanna Dashiell took him abroad for treatment," Tina fibbed.

Did Mrs. Dashiell imply that Remington had sent Hanna, along with Joseph, abroad for treatment? And why did she say it was for her?

Liz's suspicions deepened, but she didn't press further. Instead, she requested, "Tina, I'll just refresh myself in the guest room. Could you please fetch me some clean clothes?"

Tina shook her head, "I'm sorry, Miss Liz, but the pipes broke yesterday, and the whole floor with the guest rooms has no hot water right now."

Liz found it too coincidental, yet knowing Tina's loyalty and honesty, she didn't suspect her of lying. Feeling uncomfortable where the medicine had stained her shirt, she decided not to fuss and headed toward her and Remington's old bedroom instead.

As Liz disappeared, Tina entered the room where Fiona was resting on a recliner with her eyes closed. Upon Tina's approach, Fiona opened her eyes.

"Oh my, Miss Liz is not easy to fool anymore. The way she looked at me, my heart was pounding," Tina confessed.

Fiona chuckled, "I know it's tough on you, so I sent you a bonus in the group chat."

Tina laughed, handing over a medicine bowl, "Don't think you can bribe me. Even with a bonus, you're still drinking this. It's already spilled halfway; no discounts."

The plan to lure Liz back to her old room to give her grandson a chance was genuine, as was Fiona's need for medicine due to recent health issues.

In the adjacent room.

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Liz pushed open the door to the large bedroom, instantly enveloped by its familiar scent. Everything, from the furnishings to the lingering scent of aged wood, even the white gardenias in the pink ceramic vase by the window, reminded her of the past.

It was as if she had never left, still living there, still Mrs. Dashiell.

Memories with Remington flooded her mind, causing her heart to race. She quickly averted her eyes, heading to the walk-in closet.

Her old clothes were still there,

along with some recent additions. The only difference was that

previously, her and Remington's net

clothes were hung separately. Now, they were intertwined, like those of a deeply in love couple.

Liz found Remington's actions ridiculous, a form of self-deception.

Yet, her breathing was erratic, her emotions tangled as if continuously being pulled at. She quickly grabbed a sweater dress and dashed into the bathroom, washing up swiftly.

But when it was time to dress, she was realized in her rush and confusion, she had only grabbed the dress, forgetting underwear. Her original undergarments, stained with

medicine, were now discarded in the trash. .