Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

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Chapter 40

So this thing, Lizetta got it when she was nine, thanks to Remington. She couldn’t quite recall why she was down in the dumps back then, but anyway, Remington took her out to try her luck at the claw machine. End of the day, the siblings blew over 200 coins and didn’t snatch a single fuzzball.

Lizetta ribbed him for his crappy skills, but Remington fired back, saying it was the claw machine’s stingy odds that were to blame, not his technique.

Lizetta turned a deaf ear, and the next day, her super competitive brother lugged home this very claw machine, rigged it so the odds of winning were a solid 100%.

In no time, he snagged Lizetta a sofa’s worth of plushies, and while she was secretly thrilled, she pouted and griped about him making her fave game boring.

Later, Remington whipped up a little odds–tweaking app on his phone, so he could switch up the chances whenever he wanted.

From then on, this claw machine turned into Lizetta’s very own Doraemon. Feeling blue? She’d give it a whirl for a little pick–me–up. In high spirits? She’d take a shot; it’d drop a surprise.

When her birthday rolled around, she’d be buzzing with excitement, practically glued to the machine, wondering what would pop out.

After tying the knot and moving to Oakridge Heights from the Dashiell family villa, Lizetta didn’t pack much – except for this claw machine.

Ever since her fallout with Remington four years back, she hadn’t touched a single gift from that machine.

would stash this year’s present in there.

gift boxes; all unwrapped, only four had something

Remington must’ve slipped in over the past couple of days. And the other two? Her birthday present and

swanky diamond–studded watch, a mini camera – Lizetta hit play and found a birthday message recorded just

music maestro in Celestia, Cash. The legend was 78 and hadn’t made a public appearance in ages.

shout–out must’ve taken Remington

a cocktail of excitement from

12

deep, stirring emotion that

in the lake of her heart, causing ripples that tickled her senseless, bringing an uncontrollable

bygones for the sake of the gifts, at least for now, and take

check if Remington’s fever had. broken, when rustling

with Oakridge Heights‘ tight security. Maybe

a feather duster off a low cabinet

case.

beyond

guesses.

spun around at the sound. Their eyes.