Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Mr. Dashiell must really love you to think so considerately for you, Mrs. Dashiell."

"Yeah, I've been working here for years now, and it's the first time I've seen a groom consider the warmth of the wedding dress. Quite unique."

In the changing room, two clerks were assisting Lizetta with her wedding dress, their expressions full of envy.

Lizetta smiled, a bit embarrassed by their teasing. She touched her belly and said, "He's just used to taking care of me. Being pregnant, getting sick would be troublesome, so he tends to go overboard." She remembered back when she was young, how the girls in her class refused to wear thermal leggings under their school uniforms in spring and autumn, not wanting to look bulky.

She had followed suit, only to be scolded by Remington, "I can't control what others do, but Liz, you have to wear thermal leggings in spring and autumn!"

was quite strict. After they got married, she felt

just that too many misunderstandings and the sudden change in their relationship made it hard for them to know

the way, but none are as thoughtful and caring as Mr. Dashiell. We

beauty, it would be hard for

clerks sweet-talked Lizetta, continuing their playful tease. Lizetta felt as if she was being brainwashed by their words, almost starting to believe them, feeling light and buoyant. When she stepped out of

found the man sitting by the piano near the floor-to-ceiling window. He seemed bored, lazily pressing the black and white keys. Sunlight bathed him, and the man's eyes were downcast, his side profile more tender than usual. He was playing "Canon in D", the notes joyously hopping under his slender fingers. The melody was joyful yet tinged with

into the wedding of her dreams - so full of happiness and joy,

Her cheeks flushed, a mix of nervous excitement, unsure where to place her hands

wrong. It was

eyes heated with intensity, as if tangible. His fingers stumbled over the keys, creating a jarring note, abruptly stopping