Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Fiona pointed to her head, now full of silver strands.

Lizetta looked over, her eyes warming with tears. When she had left, Fiona's hair still sported a few black strands, but now, it was a challenge to find even one.

"Silver hair like Fiona's is all the rage this year. Many folks try to dye their hair to get this effect but can't quite nail it. And Fiona, with such a full head of hair, looks even more regal and elegant. Many a girl with thinning hair would be green with envy."

Lizetta teased Fiona, who responded with a hearty laugh, clearly pleased with the compliment.

As Fiona stood up, the younger ones couldn't remain seated any longer.

Nathan and the others quickly got to their feet, and Shirley, despite her swollen, aching knees, reluctantly followed suit.

At that moment, she watched Fiona and Lizetta chatting away happily, Fiona enthusiastically bigging up Lizetta, and felt a bitter mix of sourness and jealousy.

"What's the big deal with her? Just a widow who lost a child, acting as if the whole world owes her something. To the uninitiated, you'd think she was some kind of princess, demanding the entire family get up to greet her!"

Shirley was seething, having only badmouthed Lizetta a bit in a private room one day, which led to her practically being on her knees, and even caused a rift with her parents.

Lizetta, that wretch, even dared to threaten her with an abortion receipt.

Despite being the real victims, they were now summoned to the old family home, all to wait for Lizetta's arrival.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

She was even forcibly brought here from the hospital. For what reason?

But Shirley only dared to mutter under her breath, complaining to her mother Wendy next to her.

Wendy glanced at her and hissed, "Shut up, behave yourself!"

Wendy was a bit smarter than Shirley.

How could Lizetta, that wretch, get her hands on their dark secrets and dare to threaten them?

It must have been Remington digging up dirt to support Lizetta.

Looking at the situation now, it hardly seemed like the matriarch had called Lizetta back to make amends on their behalf. Wendy guessed it was more likely that Lizetta was being welcomed back into the Dashiell family.

It was as if she was a piece of gum stuck to the Dashiell family, and Remington, going back for seconds, picking up his old, worn-out shoe. Mrs. Dashiell was powerless, it seemed. "Mom, everyone's here. Let's sit and talk this out slowly," Nathan interjected, halting Fiona and Lizetta's lively chat.

Fiona shot him an impatient glance, "What, I can't chat with Liz for a bit without you getting impatient?"

Nathan's brows furrowed, but having no leverage over his mother, his authoritative gaze fell on Lizetta.

Lizetta, realizing everyone had stood up, kept her composure and smiled, aiding Fiona and pretending not to notice Nathan's dark look.

"Fiona, is today a family gathering? Maybe my timing is off, I should come back another day..."

Before she could finish, Lucian

Dashiell stepped forward, smiling and affectionately ruffling Lizetta's hair, saying, "Litchi, you've become even more beautiful. Luc's dazzled. Being single really is the best makeup."

Remington's icy gaze shot over, but Lucian not only kept his hand on Lizetta's head, but he also draped an arm over her shoulder, adding, "Can't just hug grandma, right? Luc's

missed you too."

Lizetta turned slightly, her eyes twinkling as she reached to embrace Lucian.

But before she could fully turn, Remington had grabbed Lucian by the collar and pulled him a few steps away.

"Act with some dignity in front of the elders," he said with a deep, stern voice.