Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Hearing the word "stand-in" escape from the man's thin lips, Lizetta felt her nose twitched with a sudden sourness.

Her lips quivered as she stared at Remington, and her voice was choked with emotion.

"That year, why did you bring me into the Dashiell family and why were you so kind to me when my brother knelt at the doorstep of the Dashiell family with me on his back; was it because you were thinking of Stella?

The orange-flavored candy you gave me, was it because it was Stella's favorite candy?"

She had never wanted to confront the truth directly.

Because such truth was too cruel and unbearable for her.

It was something she didn't even want to face herself; she still wanted to retain some last bit of dignity and respect.

But she never expected Remington to be so detestable.

He had found Stella but still refused to let her go and divorce her.

Feeling her suppressed emotions burst out like a flood at that moment, Lizetta gave the accusations that were almost tearful.

sealed, he remained silent, maybe because his

grip on her arm was very strong, as if he was showing that he had heard her, and he

heart was

No rebuttal, no explanation.

a bitter smile

still hoped that

Have you got nothing

didn't let go. With a strong pull, Lizetta fell into his arms; she was

break free, she started hitting him on

who genuinely cared for me, but you just saw me as Stella's stand-in." Her tears uncontrollably fell and quickly soaked through his

heart that had been hard and cold; it was as if his

anyone else couldn't

a stand-in, you're

right in Lizetta's ear; with that said, his gentle and consoling kisses landed on her

stiffened, then shook her

eyes were red and tearful as she stared

a stand-in, how do you explain all that I've said. You've kept all of Stella's things so well, not even allowing me to touch