Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Let's not go there again. I can't even begin to explain without you thinking I'm throwing excuses your way," she protested, attempting to rise from his lap.

Remington tightened his embrace, and rested his forehead against hers, "My little firecracker, seems like I've put my foot in my mouth again."

The endearment, dripping with an affection that seemed to pierce right through Lizetta's heart, made her skip a beat. Despite the warmth spreading through her chest, she clenched her hand, fighting the fluttering in her heart to stay grounded.

She wasn't about to let herself off easy, as she was not willing to forgive a man whose marriage was built on lies.

After all, lies, like infidelity and abuse, come either as a one-time thing or a recurring theme. Rebuilding trust was like trying to mend a shattered glass - it's not as easy as it sounds. "Get some rest. I'll take you to Echo Ridge Villa to meet her tomorrow. Then, you'll see.

And about me lying about being in a meeting, wasn't I actually coming from the hospital?"

Lizetta bit her lip, nodding. She had indeed seen Remington and Stella leaving the hospital together and heading towards the parking lot.

in Remington's eyes deepened as he

it off by the time we got in

everything just a

to

"Ouch!"

at her nose brought her back

pin the 'jerk' label on me more

still up for debate. Why wait till tomorrow for Echo Ridge? Why

hissed, "Can't you trust me even a little? Must you always assume the worst of

"I, mmph."

could argue further, Remington's lips crashed against hers, silencing her protests. His presence engulfed

about previous kisses where she remained indifferent, and her

so he varied the intensity of his kisses, and denied her any chance to catch