“Hey Liz, I only just found out that Evelina’s carrying a child from the Wests. Can you believe it? Ugh, Rents always been a tough nut to crack, plus he’s got this whole thing against the Wests didn’t even tell me. Don’t hold it against him, okay?


    Fiona squeezed Lizetta’s hand reassuringly


    Thinking about the West family seemed to darken Fiona’s mood, adding ayer of sorrow to her expression.


    Lizetta’s brows furrowed slightly, “Grandma, did something happen between Remi and the Wests?”


    What was this grudge Remington held against the West family?


    There seemed to be so many secrets Lizetta was not privy to


    Fiona paused, then said, “Some stories are better told by Remi himself, when he’s ready.”


    It was unclear whether Fiona was unwilling to speak or deliberately keeping secrets.


    After her words, Fiona imed tiredness and had Tina assist her back to her room.


    Lizetta couldn’t shake a sense of unease, unusual for Fiona to be so evasive.


    She stood still for a moment before heading upstairs to change into her dance gear, making her way to the studio.


    Despite being pregnant, she continued dancing every day.


    However, she cut down her practice time and took care to rest often, avoiding any strenuous movements.


    Joy seemed to understand, supporting her silently, and so far, Lizetta felt physically capable.


    An hour and a halfter, Lizetta emerged from the studio, showered, and rested.


    She kept ncing at her phone, eager for noon when Remington had promised to return for lunch. Lizetta walked around the yard, pretending to enjoy a stroll but really hoping to see Remington sooner,


    Near the gate was an octagonal gazebo where Lizetta decided to wait, a perfect spot to see anyoneing.


    Her attention, however, was drawn to the gazebo’s central wooden pir, adomed with height marks. She smiled as she touched them. “Mrs Dashiell, you were just this tiny when you arrived at the Dashiell household. Ms. Shirleywasonly a year older but a head taller than you. Mr. Dashiell was always worried you wouldn’t grow tall.”Property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Tina’s voice came from behind,carryingafruit tter.


    Tina admired the height marks alongside Lizetta.


    Those marks represented Lizetta’s growth over the years, each one carefully etched by Remington himself. From eight to seventeen, there were nine marks, documenting Lizetta’s presence in the Dashiell family over fourteen years.


    Remington had intended to mark her eighteenth year, but due to unforeseen events, it remained undone.


    Lizetta smiled, “Tina, could you fetch me a craft knife? I’d like Remi toaddthe mark for my eighteenth year when he gets back.”


    After setting down the fruit tter, Tina nodded and turned to leave. Lizetta, curious, pointed to another set of marks, “These are Remi’s, but who do these smaller ones belong to?”


    “Oh, those.” Tina chuckled, then suddenly pped her hand to her forehead. “Oh dear, I’ve got soup on the stove. I’ll be right back with that knife, Mrs. Dashiell.”


    Tina hurried off, leaving Lizetta feeling like she was avoiding something.


    Lizetta’s gaze returned to the marks, pondering who else had grown up alongside Remington.


    Her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. Expecting Remington, she checked her messages, only to find a message from anunknown number.


    Waiting for Remington toe home? Unfortunately, he won’t being back anytime soon. He’s got more important people to be with


    Don’t believe me? Dare toe to Echo Ridge Viandsee for yourself?