Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta stared blankly at Remington; her heart fluttered with an overwhelming sense of joy. After all, she had been dreaming of this wedding day for years on end.

But the initial rush of excitement quickly gave way to a tide of unease and a slight sting of sorrow.

It was like finally getting your hands on the apple at the top of the tree after a long climb. The apple that looked so red and juicy had tempted you day and night. But when it was finally within grasp, she feared i might not be as sweet as she had imagined.

What if it were bitter.

"What's with that look? Scared, or perhaps having second thoughts?"

Remington's voice snapped Lizetta out of her daze.

Only then did she notice the gentle smile had vanished from his handsome face.

His deep-set eyes now bore a cold detachment, and his brows were furrowed in a mix of amusement and indifference. This was hardly the expression of a man overjoyed at the prospect of proposing to the woman he loved.

Lizetta's heart, which had been beating wildly, felt as if it had been doused with cold water, slowly regaining its composure.

her eyelashes, she clasped her hands tightly and

just like you said, Remi, Barbara will understand. Plus, my belly's going to start showing soon, and I won't look good in a wedding dress." Remington cut her off with

was probably nothing more than a brotherly figure to lean

woman who had always been intent on leaving, even while carrying his

mocking twist of his lips, Remington let go of Lizetta and got out of

which sent her into a panic. Instinctively, she reached

reached the door, Lizetta hurriedly

"Remi. Ah!"

shoes, she stepped on a slipper, leading her to

with fright, barely managing to protect her belly as she closed

didn't hit the floor but instead fell into the familiar, broad embrace of

are you running around for! Don't you

Lizetta clung to his waist, and

a moment to catch her breath; feeling wronged, she looked

around? It was clearly you

at the drop of a hat.