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!"

want 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

and clumsily climbed

she had only taken one step when Remington

while forcefully pulling her hands away from her ears to his

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 kind of reincarnated god of love?" Remington felt that his actions should prove he wasn't the

and indifferent. She was really

bewildered. Remington tightened his grip on Lizetta's hand

a childhood companion, a kin, and

Lizetta was taken aback. It was the answer she had been longing to hear

anything; he said it so clear, without

whether to believe him or

two have different personalities, looks, and hobbies. How could I ever see you as her stand-in?" Remington couldn't help but laugh

realize before that you have such a wild

slight pain grounded

said, "But the scars on your body aren't fake, right? You yourself said last time they