Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

In an instant, the two of them tumbled onto the bed together.

Remington was underneath, protectively holding Lizetta above him.

Lizetta was in a state of shock, gasping for air. As she came to her senses, she tried to struggle free.

But Remington tightened his grip around her waist and suddenly spoke up.

"I admit that when I saw you beaten and bruised on that snowy night years ago, I thought of Stella. And yes, the first piece of orange candy I gave you was Stella's favorite."

Hearing just this much, Lizetta felt as though her heart was being sliced open; unable to hold back, she had tears stream down her face.

Each tear, heavy with her grievances and shattered feelings, fell directly from her eyes, and landed on Remington's forehead, nose, eyelids, and lips.

For a moment, Remington panicked. He quickly lifted his head, kissing her, trying to soothe her broken heart.

"Don't cry, let me finish!"

to hear it anymore. Since you love her so much, just share your deep feelings with her. She'd probably love to hear them, and she'd be touched. Don't tell me, I don't want

her ears and clumsily climbed off Remington,

step when Remington caught her

her waist, while forcefully pulling her hands away from her ears to his lips for a tender kiss

ever be a stand-in? When Stella disappeared, we were both not even twelve. What did we know about love at that age? Do you think I'm some

cold-hearted and

grip on Lizetta's hand and placed it over his heart as he finally

childhood companion, a kin, and

was the answer she had been longing to hear for

he said

Lizetta felt dazed, unsure whether

believe all this, Stella is six years older than you, and you two have different personalities, looks, and hobbies. How could I ever

did I not realize before that you have such a

the tap, but that slight pain grounded

fake, right? You yourself