Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Jerome casually reached out, gently taking Lizetta's hand without making a scene.

"It wasn't exactly a social visit. It was at Mr. Daisynes's place. Grandpa's migraines still haven't found a cure. Mr. Daisynes doesn't have many hobbies, just a unique love for wine tasting. I ended up having a couple of drinks with him, and well, here we are." Nelson Madden has always struggled with migraines. His last visit to Zion City was specifically to see a renowned healer for acupuncture. However, Mr. Daisynes had long since stopped practicing, and it was his top apprentice who treated Nelson last time. The acupuncture did work, but Nelson still suffered from occasional outbreaks, and they seemed to be getting more frequent with time. This month has seen more episodes than the last.

Upon arriving in Zion City, Lizetta also tried to track down the healer, but to no avail. Hearing that Jerome was in this state because of such a situation made her feel even more guilty and concerned. She felt she was failing in her duties as a granddaughter. "You actually met Mr. Daisynes? Why didn't you tell me? You should've asked me to come along. I could have kept the old healer company with a couple of drinks. I'm pretty good at it!"

"Really? Since when does Liz have the talent to drink anyone under the table?" Jerome's eyes twinkled with affection as he smiled.

Lizetta tilted her chin up slightly, appearing a bit haughty. "Well, I'm definitely better at it than you! You're not allowed to touch alcohol for a while, and you should also cut back on spicy and stimulating foods. And next time you visit the old healer, you have to take me with you! I'm also very devoted, you know. Wow, Mr. Madden, were you trying to outdo me and keep all the glory for yourself? How cunning!"This belongs © NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Jerome could easily tell she was just teasing him. His chest rose gently with laughter, not holding back his smile, as if a spring breeze had broken through the ice. "I just happened to run into him today. I'll definitely take you next time."

They were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn't notice the man standing at the door, his presence radiating a cold fury.

"Tsk, tsk, Remi, don't do anything

rash! You don't want Liz to run away from you again," Timothy Temple,

said as he grabbed Remington's et

arm, noticing the veins popping on his hand as he reached for the door handle, engulfed in a murderous aura.

Timothy's new girlfriend had come for a check-up, and he had run into Remington by chance, deciding to accompany him. Remington had stepped out to make a phone call and arrange for a hospital room. But in the short time he was gone, he returned to find Jerome holding Lizetta's hand. They were laughing and talking, and crucially, Lizetta hadn't pulled her hand away.

"Let go!" Remington said through clenched teeth, his voice low and harsh. Timothy felt that if he let go, Remington would barge in there and literally twist Jerome's arm. It did seem like Remington was being cuckolded at the moment.

"Remi, you might want to cool down before you go in there, or your rival might just knock you out," Timothy advised.

Fortunately, by then, Lizetta had already withdrawn her hand from Jerome's. Remington took a deep breath and released his grip on the door handle. Turning back to Timothy, he said, "I remember your grandfather and Mr. Daisynes have been close for years. Your grandfather's eightieth birthday is coming up soon. Mr. Daisynes will be there, right?"

It seemed Remington had overheard Jerome and Lizetta's conversation from within the room and was now plotting to use Timothy's connection to help Lizetta get in good with Mr. Daisynes.