Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta tugged slightly at the corner of her lips, "Mrs. Madden, let's put dinner aside for now. Shouldn't you first explain why Andrea is here?"

Eartha faced the question without a hint of displeasure. Instead, she gently took Lizetta's hand and spoke softly, "Well, I was planning to discuss this during dinner, but you've brought it up first. Liz, your impatience is just like your mother's when she was alive." A wistful expression crossed Eartha's face as she patted Lizetta's hand. "Back to the matter at hand. Andrea was indeed sent abroad by your father and me, but she ended up offending a noble girl at school, which led to severe bullying. She was driven to desperation and nearly got hit by a car on the streets. Fortunately, my sister-in-law happened to save her. Andrea has been watched over by my sister-in-law since she was young, and seeing her in such a state, she couldn't bear to leave her overseas. She contacted your father and me, and it was we who asked my sister-in-law to bring Andrea back home."

Lizetta raised an eyebrow, "When did all this happen? So my father agreed to this as well?"

"Liz, I agreed to it."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

At that moment, a voice came from the doorway. Lizetta and the others turned to see a middle-aged man entering-it was Conrad. His temples showed signs of grey, yet his demeanor remained refined and composed, hinting at regular exercise with a physique that might cause young women to secretly swoon over the charming 'uncle' type.

Eartha and Andrea immediately

stood up, greeting him like the man of the house returning home. "Honey, what brings you to Zion City without letting us know?" Eartha's face lit up with a girlish excitement. Andrea too, rushed forward as f to embrace him, only to stop abruptly, seemingly mindful of something. "Dad... I mean, Uncle..." she

hesitated, her face a mix of shyness and admiration, which softened Conrad's expression into one of tender affection as he patted her shoulder.

"Andrea had a hard time abroad and has lost a lot of weight. Now that you're back, there's nothing to fear. Just focus on getting better." Tears filled Andrea's eyes as she nodded vigorously.

Lizetta remained seated on the couch, sipping her tea before setting it down and beginning to clap sarcastically. All eyes turned to her. Lizetta smiled, "What a pity. If you had told me sooner, I could have ordered a bouquet to congratulate this heartwarming family reunion."

The warm atmosphere was abruptly interrupted. Eartha anxiously said, "Liz, what are you saying, dear? You're misunderstanding Mrs. Madden and Andrea's relationship. Talking like this will only upset your father."

Andrea stepped forward, sobbing,

"Liz, are you upset about me coming back? But I really couldn't stay abroad any longer; it was too terrifying. Don't worry, I won't

compete with you for anythingel

know my place and won't dare vie for Uncle and Grandfather's

affection, truly."

Conrad, frowning, stepped forward to explain, "Liz, Andrea was brought back home because she was suffering from depression due to bullying at school. Mrs. Madden and I agreed to let Andrea take on the

Madden name, essentially making her Mrs. Madden's goddaughter. She won't interfere with anything concerning you. Even if it's about being a family of three, it should be your father, Mrs. Madden, and you. I've been very busy lately, and my trip to Zion City was also in hopes of spending more time with you."