Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Though it wasn't a bustling tourist hotspot, the small town saw its fair share of visitors coming to stay and play from time to time.

Lizetta nodded in agreement, not giving it much thought.

As Dora went upstairs, Lizetta heard the doorbell ring.

She set down her glass of milk and walked over to the door, opening it.

Expecting to see Nolan, her eyes lit up with a smile, but instead, there stood a towering figure of a man.

Clad in a black leather jacket, cargo pants, and leather boots, he was wrapped up with a hat and scarf, his hands in leather gloves carrying a toolbox.

He even had goggles on, with only a bit of his jaw and mouth visible under a scruffy beard.

But there was something commanding and eerily familiar about his presence.

Lizetta's grip on the door handle weakened, and she took a couple of steps back, staring at the man.

It wasn't until he spoke in a local accent, "I'm here for the fireplace maintenance check," that she snapped out of it.

His voice was raspy and unfamiliar.

Lizetta blinked, her palms sweaty and her heart racing.

She gave the man another look, finding his height and build familiar.

However, he was slightly hunched, the beard hiding much of his face, and upon closer inspection, his leather jacket was stained with grease, his boots muddied.

had a bit of a cleanliness fetish, a stark

This couldn't be him!

It's been a

way

the

to arrive

walked past her, biting at the

slightly darkened hands. He didn't carry the familiar scent of cedar but

Lizetta found herself amused.

with her lately, mistaking everyone

roads were rough today. I'll get you a cup of hot

"Thank you."

the fireplace without

came down the stairs, gave the man a quick look, and

"I'll do it."

waved her off, "No worries, I could use the

clear the dining table and headed into

By the fireplace.

off his

to open his toolbox,

the coffee

was intense, almost

under the covers,

a long white cashmere