Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Seeing him still crouched in front of her, like a statue turned to stone, Liz had had enough and stood up abruptly. If he wasn't going to leave, she would.

But in the next second, the man suddenly rose and pulled her into a tight embrace. He held her so close, as if trying to merge her into his very bones, his voice hoarse in her ear. "Liz, I'm sorry, but don't turn down my help!"

Lucian stepped forward as well, saying, "Liz, calm down."

Lizetta closed her eyes, realizing she wasn't as composed as she thought. Her emotions were still affected at the sight of him.

Regret filled her heart. Yes, Yoli was what mattered most now. Once she calmed down, Lizetta pushed Remington away and nodded slightly.

Just as Remington breathed a sigh of relief, Lizetta suddenly gave him a deep, profoundly respectful bow, "Thank you so much, Mr. Dashiell."

The coat she'd been wearing, Lucas's, slid to the ground as she bowed. There she was, in her wedding dress, bowing deeply in the most formal and distant manner.

This was supposed to be their wedding day. She was supposed to be in his arms, kissing him amid the guests' cheers.

From the closest person to the most distant stranger, all in one night.

boulder was pressing on his chest, unable to breathe. His eyes were restrained with emotion, knowing she was repelled by him now, and whatever he said

he suppressed the urge to pull her into his embrace, nodding

for himself. Because with Yolanda's

Lizetta, hoping she'd understand what he

Or perhaps she

up indifferently, her

changed, and he reached out to

toward the ground. Fortunately, Lucian reacted quickly, stepping forward to catch her before she hit the

chair, Remington was still frozen, unable to retract his

mix of shock and dark

she'd rather fall than let him touch

suddenly clenched his fist, a layer

her sitting there motionless, looking as if she was about to shatter,

for the emergency exit. He feared

was greeted by the thick