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 with malice shouldn't expect the same

come with bad intentions?" Evelina attempted to

and gifting two things are bad, didn't you know? What

everyone's condemning gaze turned

absence and her graceful handling of the situation, Evelina was at a loss for words. Her face flushed, and

it was because of Remington's delay and said in a deep voice. "Liz, don't

phone, stepping towards the door, but Lizetta grabbed his arm. Turning back, Lucian saw Lizetta offering a faint, pale smile. "Luc, no need. Please, apologize to grandma

cascaded over her shoulders as the pearl tiara

chain scattered across the floor,

as Lizetta began to

something!" Lucian's face darkened, his brows

of her shock, shrugged and said with a cold laugh, "A groom who

for Lizetta, she hurried after her. Just then, a commotion

"What's happening in there?"