Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

“No way, Granny, most of the stuff on the internet is bogus. You’re up there in years – surfing the web could be bad for your health. Remington rubbed his temples in frustration.

“Don’t try to pull the wool over my eyes. If Liz bolts, you’ll be crying rivers!”

“She’s not going anywhere; she can’t live without me.”

“Oh my dear boy, did you skip washing your face this morning?”

“What?”

“How else can you be so full of hot air!”

Remington was speechless.

“Get a move on and clean up this internet mess! And pick up Liz for lunch. I want a video call to see you two together!”

“Got it.” After hanging up, Remington called Cedric in to give him instructions. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

*Scrub the online gossip.”

Cedric was a bit taken aback: Remington usually didn’t give a hoot about such rumors.

He used to say that the Starlight Group spoke through its achievements the boss‘ personal life wasn’t a big

deal, and he wasn’t keen on wasting the company’s PR resources on his own affairs.

There had been a rumor or two with some female celebrities in the past, all given the cold shoulder.

Just like Remington said, once the buzz died down, it was old news.

But this time, it seemed he wanted to step in.

“Right, Mr. Remington, I’ll get the PR department on it.”

Must be because of Lizetta, has Remington finally seen the light?

Cedric felt like he’d hit the jackpot today. He was about to leave when Remington added another task.

“Check where she is and book a restaurant.”

He didn’t specify who ‘she‘ was, but Cedric caught on quick.

Cedric was efficient: he was back in less than ten minutes, though looking a bit hesitant.

“Mr. Remington, Lizetta is currently at the Mermaid Restaurant.

Remington stood up, grabbed his suit jacket, and headed out.

“Who’s she having lunch with?”

He glanced at his watch; it was still a good while before lunchtime.

Cedric bit his lip. “You might want to see for yourself, Boss.”

The Bentley slowly pulled up outside the restaurant. Just as Remington was about to get out, his phone rang – it was Hanna.

He glanced at the screen, didn’t pick up, and turned off the phone as he stepped out and walked into the restaurant.

It was the lunch rush, the restaurant dimly lit to mimic the deep sea atmosphere, yet most tables were empty.

Instead, a throng of customers surrounded a huge glass tank in the middle, snapping photos and recording with

their phones.

Kids were shouting excitedly amidst the bustling noise.

Remington felt irritated, his phone vibrating incessantly as if it wouldn’t stop until he answered.

Annoyed, he answered the call, and Hanna’s urgent voice burst through.

“Remington, Evelina is pregnant! She’s pregnant, how can you still not hurry up and divorce Lizetta!”

Remington’s face was stone–cold, “How do you know she’s pregnant?”

He scanned the room but didn’t spot Lizetta, his icy gaze turning to Cedric.

Cedric, feeling the pressure, pointed towards the crowd. With a slight frown, Remington made his way over.

His height advantage allowed him to see over the crowd to the mermaid swimming in the large glass tank.

She wore a large silver fishtail that wrapped only up to her hips, her upper body almost bare except for two tiny seashell–shaped bras that barely covered anything, revealing vast expanses of smooth, pale skin and a curvaceous figure.

Her hair flowed behind her like seaweed, a red rose clenched in her teeth as she smiled and blew kisses to the audience, mimicking a heart shape with her hands.

She was as enchanting as a real deep–sea mermaid, stunning and spellbinding.

But this also managed to make Remington feel dizzy and his handsome face turned ashen.

He was so livid he was practically ready to explode, and at that moment, Hanna’s voice echoed in his ear.

“Is the baby in Evelina’s belly yours? Is that my grandchild? Remington, I want you to divorce Lizetta immediately and marry Evelina.”