Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizzy had slipped across the border under a false identity, thinking that once the cops showed up, she'd be in a world of trouble. But somehow, Rem had handled it. The cops had only asked Lizzy a few simple questions before they left.

After a night of restless sleep, shaken by the encounter, Lizzy had quickly fallen into a deep slumber once the police were gone. When she next awoke, she sensed movement.

Opening her eyes, she was startled to find herself in Rem's arms, being carried out the door.

"Where are you taking me?" Lizzy looked around, bewildered.

Seeing her awake, Rem looked down and said, "Back to Zion City."

Lizzy was shocked, grabbing at the man's shirt collar, "You bastard, you promised you wouldn't force me!"

She kicked and pulled at his collar as if she wished she could strangle him.

Rem's eyes flashed with resignation, his lips pressed into a thin line, almost grinding his teeth as he spoke.

"I agreed to your condition," he said.

Lizzy blinked, surprised. "Really?"

skeptical, feeling an odd mix of

her doubtful look, Rem scoffed, "You don't seem too happy about it. Having second

burst into a big, sarcastic smile. "I'm thrilled! I was just worried about someone making promises they

let her go, especially with other men buzzing around her like

forceful tactics, he dared not use on

was afraid of pushing

at large,

this time, I'll grant you your wish... consider it

disastrous marriage

only way to

resolution in his eyes; she could

was truly

looked down, slowly releasing her grip on Rem's collar, whispering,

"Yeah."

down, letting Rem

slowly drove away, she watched the town recede through the window, her eyes filled with reluctance

tightened, but then he

here?" he suddenly