Jerome couldn''t help but chuckle at Lizetta''sment, though there was a twinge of bitterness in his smile.


    "Not just passable?" Lizetta said with a yful spark in her eyes. "It''s because you''re so exceptional that I feel the pressure. If you were just another ordinary guy, I wouldn''t be this nervous."


    Jerome kept his gaze on Lizetta, his lips curving slightly. Yet inside, he felt a pang of sadness.


    Here he was, genuinely liking a woman for the first time, having watched over her for so long, and he hadn''t even managed to confess his feelings before it felt like he''d been turned down.


    Jerome, oh Jerome, he thought, you really are quite the failure.


    Outwardly, he remainedposed, his demeanor as calm as ever. "Why don''t we grab a coffee and chat a bit?"


    Lizetta nodded, and they settled back down, sipping their coffees. After a few moments, Jerome spoke up.


    "Liz, I really like you. Not in the way a brother likes a sister, but in the way a man wants to care for a woman for a lifetime. I''ve felt this way for a long time. I held back because you hadn''t fully resolved things with Mr. Dashiell, and I didn''t want to intrude."


    He paused, recalling the night they returned to Tranquil Meadows. "That night, I was so happy I couldn''t sleep, pacing outside your room. It wasn''t that I was unsure of my feelings for you, but I could see you weren''t in the right ce to start something new."


    Jerome sighed, "But now, if I don''t express my feelings, I might never get another chance."


    Lizetta listened quietly, touched by his words. Jerome was truly a kind and thoughtful man, but her heart was elsewhere.


    "I know, Jerome. You''ve always been so considerate," she began. "But I''m sorry, I only see you as family. I can''t offer more than that."


    Her refusal was firm and clear, leaving Jerome with a mix of emotions.


    After a long pause, he added, "You know my grandparents would love for us to be together. Choosing me would mean a smoother path for you. But with Mr. Dashiell, there are still so many unresolved issues, and if I''m not mistaken, his parents aren''t exactly thrilled about you?"


    Jerome''s brow furrowed slightly, his words a mix of brotherly concern and personal worry.


    Lizetta understood, feeling warmth


    in her heart. Her eyes sparkled with determination. "I know, but Remington and I share the same pain and the same desire for justice. I want to stand by him and fight for Daisy."


    She''d misunderstood Remington''s efore, but now that she


    actions


    knew better, why should she


    eln


    distance herself from film and fet


    their enemies win


    fo


    "Jerome, don''t worry. I''ve learned my lesson. This time, I won''t give my all blindly."