Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta stepped forward, reaching out to hold Remington's hand. But the man quickly withdrew his hand, leaving Lizetta momentarily stunned, her fingertips curling back.

She couldn't decipher his thoughts or what his instinctive reaction meant, but it left a void in her heart, like grasping at thin air.

Remington seemed to realize his overreaction. He turned to Lizetta, his gaze deep, "Could you wait outside for me, please?"

He probably thought her presence would only escalate Barbara's emotions further. Lizetta nodded, not saying a word, and turned to leave.

As she was closing the hospital room door, she saw Remington pulling out a tissue and leaning down to whisper comforting words to Barbara. Eileen was there too, standing on the other side of Barbara's bed, both of them like a devoted couple circling their parents in their hour of need. Lizetta hesitated for a moment before closing the door and turning around, only to find herself face-to-face with Martin.

"Mr. West," Lizetta greeted him respectfully with a nod.

Martin's hair was peppered with gray, perhaps weary from life's burdens, with deep furrows between his brows.

the same age, but he carried an air of authority.

greeting, his eyes instead fixating on her right hand and saying, "The Dashiell family and the West family

its diamond sparkling brilliantly, a symbol of Remington's

gaze lingered on that ring as he spoke. Lizetta didn't retract her hand or attempt to hide it;

truly sorry about Stella's situation, but Mr.

wife. Bringing up a long-forgotten betrothal agreement

politely at Martin, making way for him, and

go, murmuring, "Young people should be careful not to speak too

didn't look back, quickening her pace instead. When she emerged from

"Mrs. Dashiell, you okay?"

and shook her head, "I'm

came by. He asked me to step out. I guess he wanted to try and talk some sense into Barbara himself. Barbara really listens to Mr. West, and he seems like a