Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

She felt like she was sinking into a solitary deep sea, engulfed by the deathly waters of isolation, unable to hear any sound or feel any warmth around her, that was until Yolanda's loud shouts pierced through her numbness.

Lizetta slowly came back to her senses, her hand subconsciously reaching up to touch her face. She thought she would be in tears, yet, there were none.

Her cheeks were dry, her eyes scratchy and sore, as if they were about to ignite. Her chest felt numb, as if it had been hollowed out.

She thought, so this was what true despair, disappointment, and sorrow felt like - utterly desolate, without even tears to show for it.

"Really, how could she break the gift?"

"Guests should be treated with respect, but this is just rude."

Lizetta blinked back to reality, and when she did, she was met with the stares of a few guests, looking at her disapprovingly under Evelina's tearful accusations.

Lizetta stopped Lucian, who was about to confront them with displeasure, and offered a polite, yet firm smile.

treated with respect, those who come

I come with bad intentions?" Evelina attempted

someone else's wedding, and gifting two things are bad, didn't

everyone's condemning gaze turned to

by Lizetta's composure even after hearing about the reason of Remington's absence and her graceful handling

it was because of Remington's delay

Turning back, Lucian saw Lizetta offering a faint, pale smile. "Luc, no need. Please, apologize to grandma and the guests for me. The wedding is off," with those words,

her shoulders as the pearl tiara meant

back chain scattered across the floor, like

shock as Lizetta began to

of something!" Lucian's face darkened, his brows furrowed as he turned to

and said with a cold laugh,

Just then,

"What's happening in there?"