Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

After hanging up the phone, the man turned around, his gaze methodically sweeping through the bedroom.

Hanna had said that Lizetta's things were all still there, and indeed they were.

A cashmere shawl she often wore was strewn across the sofa, and her vanity table was still cluttered with her frequently used belongings.

Remington walked over, opening the jewelry box on the vanity. Inside, neatly arrayed, were the gardenia earrings, their wedding bands, and the pink diamond necklace he had recently given her. She hadn't taken any of it with her.

Yolanda mentioned that these items weren't what Lizetta wanted, but having them laid out in front of him felt like a silent slap across Remington's face.

He picked up the earrings, accidentally staining them with blood from his hand.

A pang of panic crossed Remington's eyes as he stroked the earrings.

He wanted to wipe the blood away. But it only seemed to spread more, impossible to be cleaned.

their relationship, now

life, he was utterly uncertain about something, doubting

Have you, in your heart, already sentenced me it to death? Is that why you've abandoned everything here so easily,

like the most fitting

snapped, and

followed, Remington

look for her, and those who had been sent to Summer City before were all recalled. Instead, more people

Remington and learn

Stella began

families began to circulate in Zion City, all signs pointing to Remington moving on

returned home late to find Barbara lounging on

back? Why so late

me to accompany him. He introduced me to a lot of people, and he even drove me home himself,"

a smile, her expression softening as she held Stella's