Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta didn't say a word, just nestled quietly in Remington's arms.

The reality of getting married hadn't quite hit her until now. Suddenly, as they were about to go try on wedding dresses, it all felt incredibly real, and her heart started racing.

The streets weren't busy, a rare lull in the usual traffic. It wasn't long before Christ parked the car.

Lizetta, still in Remington's embrace, walked into the bridal shop where they were greeted by a tall, striking woman with an air of elegance and a fiery red pantsuit that matched her confident demeanor. This was Sophia Sterling, Cassius Sterling's cousin and the owner of the shop.

"Congratulations to you both. Don't worry, Mr. Dashiell, leave Liz with me, and I'll make sure she's the most beautiful bride you've ever seen," Sophia greeted them with a grin.

Remington responded before Lizetta could, "My wife's naturally gorgeous. She could wear a burlap sack and still be the most beautiful bride. I'm not worried at all."

seemed momentarily taken aback as

playful glare at Remington and a shy smile towards Sophia, Lizetta said,

Dashiell would be so openly affectionate. But he's right. Liz, with your looks, every

Although she had met Sophia at a few functions, Lizetta

slightly; as they browsed through a dozen of the latest collection, she eventually

decide; Sophia suggested trying them all on and even called Remington up

choice quickly, pointing to a dress held

too. Look at the off-the-shoulder design on that one; I love the design on the shoulder." But Remington cut her off, "I chose it

Lizetta compared the dresses again. Indeed, the one he chose had the most fabric and was the only long-sleeved

crossed, "With a figure like Liz's, Mr. Dashiell, you're quite the traditionalist, aren't you? Afraid to show

got jealous of that. It was a side of aloof Remington that Lizetta hadn't expected. She