Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Then, there was the sound of a scuffle, punctuated by the chilling whispers of a silenced gun.

Lizetta knew that was Dora, buying her time to escape. She didn't dare look back.

She slipped through a hidden door, quickly scrambling down a narrow path behind the house, running towards the northern woods as Dora had instructed. Dora said someone would meet her there, and Lizetta believed her.

Clutching her belly with both hands, her head bowed, lips bitten, she sprinted towards the woods, her heart filled with terror and concern.

She wondered if Dora could handle those men. What if something happened to her?

And she was terrified for her unborn child's safety.

These men couldn't be from the Remingtons; their silent approach meant ill intentions.

If they were from the West family, did they want the baby's life, or hers as well?

The cold wind blew, causing Lizetta's ill-fitted hat to fall off.

stumbling and running faster, her hair cold against her cheeks,

the only sounds her frantic footsteps

she tripped over something, tumbling forward with a short, suppressed cry of alarm, fearful of attracting

closed her eyes, tears

moment, a figure

herself in a man's arms, both of them collapsing

me! Ah! Get

opened her eyes, struggling before she could make out his face, her cries sharp as the

back, trembling as she raised the gun

come any closer, I'll

did little to deter him. He stepped closer, taking her shaking, cold hand, pressing the gun against his chest, his voice low and

be afraid,

was steady and warm, firm as he guided the gun against

to

her heartbeat still