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.

disturbance, but while guests are to be treated with respect, those who come

could I come with bad intentions?" Evelina

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

condemning gaze turned to

Lizetta's composure even after hearing about the reason of Remington's absence and her graceful handling of the situation, Evelina was at a loss for

down, Lizetta closed her eyes for a moment. Seeing her pale, Lucian thought it was because of Remington's delay and said in a deep

faint, pale smile. "Luc, no need. Please, apologize to grandma and the guests for me. The wedding is off," with those words, she forcefully

over her shoulders as the pearl tiara meant

chain scattered across the floor, like the tears of a mermaid

stood in shock as Lizetta began to walk

Lucian's face darkened, his brows furrowed as he turned

shrugged and said with a cold laugh, "A groom who misses his

she hurried after her. Just then,

"What's happening in there?"