Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Sophia had been hanging out with Lizetta quite a bit lately, and they hit it off pretty well. Lizetta even invited Sophia to her wedding.

Feeling a bit worried, Sophia decided to check in with Cassius to see if he knew what was up.

Cassius was lounging in an SUV, getting a touch-up from his makeup artist, when he casually said, "The Starlight Group isn't some backyard operation; they're not about to make a big mistake. Isn't Remi getting hitched soon? Whatever you've heard must be some baseless rumor."

"I wish it were just a rumor, but I literally just overheard Mr. Dashiell calling Lizetta. Brides tend to get super jittery right before the wedding, all scared of tying the knot and whatnot. This is when they really need their other half to step up, provide that sense of security, and patiently be there for them. It'll make the girls fearless, and start the marital life at ease."

"I'm all for staying single, and the thought of marriage freaks me out, so you're barking up the wrong tree here."

"I just think Lizetta's not in a great place emotionally. Aren't you and Mr. Dashiell friends? Maybe give him a nudge, remind him that his wife should come before business, no?"

After Sophia hung up, Yolanda's frustrated voice filled the SUV, "I knew that badass Remington wouldn't just behave! Call him up, ask what the hell he's planning to do?!"

Cassius was getting his makeup done, and just now it was Yolanda who helped to hold the phone near his ear.

worry, didn't play nice. After her rant, she called Remington and pressed the phone back to Cassius' ear with

felt as if half of his head was numbed. Cassius

"It's off."

didn't go

Cassius and dashed out of the SUV to call Lizetta. She was worried

said he'd be back before the wedding; don't worry," Lizetta's voice was still cheerful while the call

seemed Lizetta was in good spirits. But Yolanda knew her; Lizetta was the type to bottle

"I'm gonna take some time off from

missing right before the wedding, she was all the family Liz had, and she was determined

"Okay."

agree so readily weighed heavily

others, even her. That single word of agreement revealed Lizetta's hidden

and asked her to wait for

days passed with no sign of him, and he didn't pick up the phone either. He had assured her he'd return at least by the eve