Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz had just spoken his name when Remington suddenly looked up, his dark eyes revealing a depth of emotion that seemed almost fragile despite his stern voice.

"If you're not going to explain yourself, then maybe you shouldn't speak at all. I might just get angry enough to take you back home with me!" he said, his voice tense with an underlying threat.

The hint of darkness that flashed in his eyes was something he blurted out in frustration, but he noticed the change in Liz's expression immediately.

Liz's face paled slightly, as memories of past grievances surged uncontrollably back to her.

She had intended to explain, but now her gaze softened.

"Yeah, it's not like you haven't done that before," she said, her lips curving in a smile that was more a sharp dagger aimed straight at Remington's heart.

Remington's expression shifted, panic and unease flitting across his eyes.

He gripped Liz's hand tighter, almost stammering in his haste to clarify.

"No, I didn't mean it like that. I just said it without thinking, and I won't do it again. Liz, you have to believe me!"

He noticed her fingers were cold in his palm, rubbing them gently, his face showing remorse.

He truly hadn't meant to say it, how could he ever consider doing such a thing again?

But he realized his words had triggered an unpleasant memory for her, possibly even frightening her.

Their relationship had just started to improve, why did he have to bring up the past?

Seeing Liz's stunned silence, Remington's remorse deepened.

He brought her hands to his lips, his expression earnest as he tried once more to explain.

"I'm really sorry for what I said earlier. I couldn't control my

emotions. Seeing you dining with

another man, laughing with him net

accepting roses from him, and letting him hold your hand... was overcome with jealousy."

His voice was hoarse, fraught with emotion.

In the past, others envied Remington Dashiell, a man who could have anything he desired with ease.

Even if something was momentarily out of reach, his patience and confidence assured him that in time, it would be his.

But now, with her, he dared not be so presumptuous, tormented by insecurity.

He had seen the text from Timothy on WhatsApp, the sight of her

enjoying another man's company as on a

if they were perfectly line

date filled him with dread.

He worried that her agreement to give him a chance was merely to toy with him, a form of revenge.

The fear that it was all just wishful thinking on his part made the journey there unbearable, resisting the urge to speed through red lights.

With a swift tug, Liz fell into his arms.

He wanted to hold her tight, to meld her into his very being, yet he feared causing her any more pain or displeasure.

His arms trembled slightly as he spoke, his voice even raspier.

"Liz, I'm scared you're just playing with me, secretly planning something else, just to get my hopes up.

The mere thought of it shatters my rationality. I was just speaking out of frustration. Please, don't be afraid, okay?"

Liz could feel the tension and worry in Remington's voice, a mix of fear and concern.

His words had indeed reminded her of the times he had forcefully tried to controther, a period when his е obsession had refused to let her go, causing her already wounded Heart to feel as though it was being seared on hot coals, exacerbating her injuries and eventually leading to her struggle with postpartum

depression.

These memories made Liz feel as though old wounds were beginning to throb

with pain once again.noveldrama