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.

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

bad intentions?" Evelina attempted

else's wedding, and gifting

gaze turned

absence and her graceful handling of the situation, Evelina was

died 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 voice. "Liz,

towards the door, but Lizetta grabbed his arm. Turning back, Lucian saw Lizetta offering a faint, pale smile. "Luc, no

cascaded over her shoulders as the pearl tiara meant to secure her veil hit

from the tiara's back chain scattered across the floor, like the tears of a

stood in shock as Lizetta began to walk towards the

face darkened, his brows furrowed as he

said with a cold laugh, "A groom who misses

her. Just then, a commotion started in

"What's happening in there?"