Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Liz, wake up, we're here."

Lizetta was roused from her slumber by a clear, clean male voice beside her. She pushed her sleep mask up and glanced out the window to see the plane slowly descending toward Zion City Airport. The surrounding buildings felt both familiar and foreign, leaving Lizetta momentarily dazed.

When she left, her heart was in turmoil, overwhelmed by grief, convinced she'd never set foot here again. Yet, unexpectedly, just four months later, circumstances forced her return. And now, her heart was surprisingly at peace.

"Liz, have some water. Big bro's guy is already here waiting for us."

A thermos was opened and considerately handed to Lizetta.

Taking the thermos, Lizetta turned to look at the delicately rebellious face of Hamilton Madden next to her and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Man, when did kids start taking such good care of others? No wonder you're hailed as this year's top male star for making both moms and girlfriends swoon."

Lizetta took a sip of water, reaching out to ruffle Hamilton's uneven, silver-gray fluffy hair.

Hamilton met Lizetta's teasing gaze and shook his head with a proud air.

"It's nothing, just the superior Madden family genes at work."

Hamilton's grandfather was Nelson's younger brother, and Hamilton never imagined that his idol, the lady he had a crush on, would turn out to be his cousin.

However, he was only shocked at the family reunion, quickly accepting the reality.

In contrast to the haughty Andrea, who always acted as if she was above everyone else, thinking the Madden family relied solely on Nelson's branch for survival, Hamilton genuinely felt that Lizetta was superior in every aspect-personality, talent, beauty.

Who wouldn't want a kind, beautiful sister who could also write songs and choreograph dances for him?

With Lizetta returning to Zion City and Nelson unable to accompany her due to health reasons, Hamilton was entrusted with the task of escorting Lizetta.

Hamilton gladly accepted, aware of Lizetta's past struggles in Zion City and thus was exceptionally attentive and caring throughout the trip. Lizetta couldn't help but notice.

But, having recovered from postpartum depression, she wasn't as fragile as her family thought.

As passengers began to disembark, Hamilton put on a baseball cap and mask, reaching out to take Lizetta's bag. She quickly stopped him. "Don't. I don't want to be mistaken for your girlfriend and end up trending online. I'll be torn apart. From now on, I'm your little assistant."

Lizetta took Hamilton's bag and other items, even grabbing the suitcase from assistant Paul.

"Let's go."

Before Hamilton could protest, Lizetta was already pushing the luggage toward the exit.

Hamilton touched his nose, watching her back. His cousin seemed to underestimate her beauty and the investigative prowess of modern fans. She didn't look like any assistant.

These days, fans don't trust what they see at face value; they're like detectives with magnifying glasses, only believing in the details they unearth.

The more they try to hide, the more fans might misunderstand.

But...

Ah well, as long as cousin is happy!

At the airport corridor, a top male star like Hamilton was easily recognized.

Even though his trip was supposed to be a secret, without a large crowd of fans and media to welcome him, Zion City International Airport was a hotspot for celebrities, with media perpetually on the lookout.

Lizetta's group hadn't even left the airport when they were surrounded by some media and fans, thankfully with bodyguards in tow.

Lizetta just lowered her head,Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

carrying the backpack and pulling the suitcase, playing the role of a little assistant behind Hamilton, completely unaware of the two shocked figures watching her from a distance.