Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption ( Lizetta ) novel Chapter 197

Chapter 197 

Lizetta let go of the doorknob and swung around, fishing her phone out of her pocket. 

“Gotta give granny a ring.” 

Just as she’s about to dial, a man’s slender fingers swooped in and snatched the phone right out of her grasp. 

Lizetta looked up, locking eyes with Remington’s deep gaze; his lips were pressed together ever so slightly. 

“Is hanging with me really that unbearable?” 

Lizetta shook her head hastily, chuckling, “Nah, not at all.” 

But Remington can tell she’s fibbing. His brows knitted together briefly as he swallowed the frustration building inside him, and he spoke softly. 

“Let’s hold off on that call for a bit. Even if you do call her now, granny’s not gonna open the door for us.” 

Lizetta figured that he’s probably right and nodded in agreement. 

Silence fell over them again. 

Remington was still lounging in a loose–fitting bathrobe, leaving Lizetta clueless about where to rest her eyes. She pursed her lips. 

“Drink your tea first. 

But Remington stood his ground in front of her without budging an inch. Lizetta looked up, feeling puzzled, as a shadow fell over her. 

It’s his hand brushing over her eyelids. Lizetta instinctively closed her eyes. 

“Do your eyes hurt?” 

Remington’s fingers gently grazed the reddened corners of her eyes. 

She’d been crying her heart out just moments ago, so her eyelids were now puffy. 

His touch tickled, causing Lizetta’s eyelids and lashes to quiver. She twisted her head away from his touch and opened her eyes, beaming at him with a smile. 

“Nope, not hurting. I’m not that delicate.” 

But that’s a lie too. 

Remington’s hand fell to his side, his thumb and forefinger rubbing together as if they can still feel the damp softness of her eyelids. 

He remembered when she first came to the Dashiell family–tough yet silent. 

19:44 

Like a wounded little critter, always on edge, bracing herself against the world, never crying out even when hurt 

But she relied on him; she would curl up in his arms at night, sobbing, sharing her woes with him alone. 

He wasn’t exactly Mr. Nice Guy, because his patience was wearing thin often with her antics. 

Back then, he’d pat her head, and sometimes he would scold her with a stern face. 

“Get a grip, will ya? Can’t you stand up for yourself when you’re wronged? You’re embarrassing me. Next time, cut the brother act if you’re gonna be such a wimp.” 

He was tough on her, yet she’d just look at him with those teary eyes and smile like a goof. 

It melted his heart, making him want to shield her under his wings for life, and keep her hidden away from the world. 

But the sweet little girl had to grow up; with her thoughts growing more complex, she no longer spilled them out to him. 

He couldn’t pinpoint when, but she began to hide herself from him, and the real talk dwindled; now she wouldn’t even show her vulnerability easily. 

Remington’s at a loss on how to cheer her up, unsure what to do with her. 

He pushed down the sour feeling in his heart, gently touching the top of her head, saying, “Go take a shower, change your clothes. You’re all wet.” 

Lizetta looked down and sure enough, she’s damp from being in his arms earlier in the 

bathroom. 

Not really in the mood to face Remington, she nodded and agreed, “Alright, just make sure to drink your tea, I’m off to shower.” 

Lizetta grabbed some fresh clothes and headed into the bathroom, where Remington’s shower scent still lingered, and the floor was still wet.