Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"The Wests sent some folks to Evercrestia again a few days back. I'm a bit worried about it." Jerome said, his legs crossed.

Lizetta's eyebrows furrowed in surprise. She hadn't expected that two months on, not only had the Wests not given up on searching for her, but they had also increased their efforts. What were they planning? Were they relentless?

A chill ran through Lizetta, her hands on her lap trembling slightly without her noticing. She was both afraid and angry.

The warmth from Jerome's hand enveloped hers as he set down his coffee mug and leaned in to give her hand a reassuring squeeze.

Looking up, Lizetta met his comforting, smiling gaze. "Don't worry. I've set up a few obstacles and distractions in Evercrestia to lead them off your trail. They won't find their way here."

Lizetta's heart gradually calmed, and she nodded.

But at that moment, she realized they were sitting a little too close.

The snow continued to fall outside, casting a serene, dim glow in the living room. The quiet of the night was inherently romantic, perhaps too conducive to unintended intimacies. Feeling suddenly uncomfortable, Lizetta instinctively pulled back slightly, her fingers curling up. But before she could withdraw her hand completely, Jerome let go.

"Oh, I brought something for you. It's outside the door, I'll

that, he turned and

nearly been hit

he left, a gust of cold wind swept in. Lizetta let out a sigh and a small laugh. She felt like she had been away from men for

Jerome picked up the suitcase and strode

around and saw only the

nothing out

and quickened his pace, soon

Jerome! Madam must be here. I' call our guys over," Ray's voice emerged from behind a low wall, moments after

into the house. Clenching his leather-gloved hands to resist the urge to barge

her,

into the yard, "Not now. Find a place where we can keep an eye

surprised, "We finally found Madam, aren't we taking

Evercrestia had led Ralap and his men on a