Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Before Lizetta could even process what was happening, she found herself engulfed in a tight embrace, the man's scent overwhelming her senses. His voice, low and laced with amusement, tickled her ear. Out of context, his words might have seemed cheesy. But coming from a man like Remington, they carried an air of authority. The undeniable warmth and sincerity in his voice made Lizetta's heart race uncontrollably, pounding against her chest. The silence in the car was profound, allowing them to hear each other's breathing. Worried he might hear her heart's tumultuous beating, Lizetta pushed against his chest, her voice urgent. "You've got it all wrong, that's not what I meant!" she insisted. However, Remington seemed convinced she was simply too shy to admit it, gently stroking her back as he chuckled softly in her ear. "Liz, you're such a bad liar. I can hear your heartbeat."

Lizetta was speechless, her embarrassment growing, prompting her to push against Remington with more force. Concerned about hurting her, Remington finally let go. Observing the flush of mixed emotions on her face, his lips curled into a slight smirk. "If you don't believe me, I can have someone pull up the parking lot's surveillance footage right now." He reached for his phone, but Lizetta didn't want to cause a stir over such a trivial matter, especially not to alarm the security department of the Starlight Group, making her the subject of gossip. She had already embarrassed herself enough at the Starlight Group today. She grabbed Remington's hand, stopping him. "No need."

"So, you believe me then?" Remington raised an eyebrow. Seeing his determination, Lizetta reluctantly nodded. Thinking the topic was closed, Remington suddenly took her hand, pressing a gentle kiss to it. "Thank you for trusting me, Liz." His gratitude was evident, his warm breath caressing her fingertips, sending a tingling sensation through her. He was playing unfair. Lizetta quickly withdrew her hand, "Ahem, you're welcome." Her automatic response was followed by Cedric's muffled laughter, making Lizetta realize the nonsense she had just uttered. She frowned slightly, annoyed, and turned her gaze to the window.

Just when she thought the topic was behind them, Remington leaned in again. "What about the cufflink? Shouldn't it be returned to its rightful owner?" He opened his palm towards her, asking for the cufflink. Frustrated and confused, Lizetta remembered the cufflink was actually with Stella. Feeling somewhat irritated, she replied, "I've lost it."

A moment of silence passed before Lizetta felt her wrist being gripped tightly. Forced to look back, she met Remington's intense gaze. "Say that again!" His handsome face turned cold, the previous warmth replaced by barely suppressed anger. Lizetta hadn't anticipated such a strong reaction, leaving her momentarily stunned and somewhat guilty. But the words were already out, and she couldn't take them back now. Frowning, she said, "The cufflink was a gift from me to you. I have the right to do with it as I please. Even if it's lost, it's none of your business. Moreover, we're divorced now, and I don't like seeing the cufflinks and ties I gave you on you anymore."

Who was he showing his belated affection to? Every time they met, he left her feeling unsettled and frustrated, a sensation she found unbearable. Struggling with her feelings, she blamed herself for not being firmer. Remington's expression darkened, a storm brewing. He used every ounce of his strength to restrain himself from pulling her into his lap and reprimanding her as he used to, longing to reassert his dominance in the way only he knew how. Closing his eyes briefly, he finally spoke in a low voice.