Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lucian glanced at Rex, his tone dripping with mock concern, "A simple hug between siblings, and you're losing your cool? Are you sure it's not just your age-old jealousy making a comeback?" Lucian really wanted to rib Rex some more, but the timing wasn't right. He knew better than to stir the pot at such a moment. Instead, he turned to Liz and said, "Don't think of postponing, Liz. Grandma and Rex went out of their way to invite us over just for you. You're the star of the show today, the guest of honor."

Liz, confused by the unfolding events, looked at Rex for some clarity.

Rex, with a reassuring smile and a voice as smooth as velvet, said, "There are a few things we need to clear up."

Liz had no idea what he was up to, but it was clear she was already caught in his plans.

Helplessly, she walked over to the couch with Fiona, who then pulled her down to sit beside her.

"Rex, you're not thinking of getting back with Liz, are you? Why haven't we heard a whisper about this?" Mr. Dashiell, sipping his tea, was the first to break the silence.

Bringing Liz back home and gathering the whole family certainly looked like Rex was introducing her to the family again.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Liz immediately shot Rex a cold look. Her expression turned icy, clearly displeased. If Rex was being this presumptuous and thought he could just announce they were getting back together, she wouldn't hesitate to call him out on it right there.

Rex also looked at Liz, noticing her visibly chilling demeanor. His lips pressed together, a bitter taste spreading through his mouth. Yet, his expression remained unchanged as he addressed Mr. Dashiell.

"Reuniting with her is indeed my heart's desire, but the time isn't right. I'm still trying to make amends, hoping to first earn her forgiveness and a fair chance to win her back. Today, I wanted to discuss something else with everyone here."

Liz didn't expect him to be so upfront about wanting to win her back. A collective gasp filled the

room, and all eyes tu

no

Liz. She was unprepared for spotlight, feeling as if Rex had dragged her into an utterly embarrassing scene. Her cool demeanor quickly flushed with a thin veil of red.

het

The room was genuinely taken aback. Everyone knew Rex as aloof, reserved, and emotionally distant. No one expected him to publicly humble himself before a woman, was openly displaying his deep feelings, striving to salvage their relationship, clearly putting himself in a vulnerable position, waiting for her to turn back.

Even Lucian, who knew the intricacies of Rex and Liz's tangled love story, was stunned, his mouth agape. And Shirley, seething with jealousy, scratched the leather couch, leaving visible marks.

After a long silence, Mr. Dashiell finally spoke, "Well, this is quite unexpected from our very own Mr. Rex Dashiell of the Dashiell family."

Mrs. Dashiell chuckled, turning to Nathan with a sly remark, "Brother, who would've thought our Dashiell family had a romantic in its ranks?"

After Rex's divorce, Mrs. Dashiell

had been quite keen on setting him

up with her niece. She had even orchestrated a couple of accidental meetings, but Rex's cold response had put an end to her plans. Seeing Rex-bringing Liz back and making such a public declaration, she realized this path was now completely blocked. Her discomfort was palpable.

Nathan, with a slight frown, said, "Rex, your aunt and uncle, along with your cousins, are all very busy. Save these irrelevant talks for a private moment with Liz, will you? This isn't the place for it!"