Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta bit her lip so hard that the taste of blood filled her mouth as she mechanically nodded her head.

Yoli would be okay! Yoli had to be okay!

But deep down, she knew. There was no such thing of the most dangerous area in the head. It was the head they were talking about - a place where one couldn't afford any harm. Suddenly, someone shouted that the ambulance had arrived, and Hogan immediately scooped Yolanda up in his arms.

Lizetta stood up, her vision darkening, her body swaying. Then, she felt herself being steadied by a very familiar set of arms, a man's large hand gripping her waist tightly. But the embrace that usually felt warm and comforting was now like being wrapped in thorns, causing Lizetta pain all over.

"Don't touch me!"

She glared with disdain, and disentangled herself from the grip, struggling to follow. But her wedding dress, with its long train, got in her way, causing her to stumble.

Remington grabbed her arm again, pulling her back to his side with a firm voice, "I'll carry you."

Lizetta wouldn't have it. She yanked her arm away, bent down, and started ripping at the long train of her dress with all her might.

to Remington's ear. He felt as if what she was tearing

She said,

cut into Lizetta's palm, staining it with her blood. Her pale lower lip was

emotions churning in his eyes, almost wanting

the torn fabric at his feet and turning to run

stopped, ultimately closing his eyes and standing

him. The place was in chaos, and he'd arrived late. It

fists clenched, veins bulging on the back of his hands. He seemed

hotel lobby, filled with people, everything suddenly felt as if it had frozen over, silent enough to hear a

moment, Remington moved. He bent down, picking up the torn fabric from

face. Then he looked at Lucian who appeared guilt-ridden and heavy-hearted, his voice hoarse as he asked, "How did

hard, his

trying to protect his mother and