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?"

feeling an

look, Rem scoffed, "You don't seem too happy about it.

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

a pang of pain. He wished he didn't have to let her go, especially with

tactics, he dared not

afraid of pushing her

with Ralap still at large, Lizzy staying here

grant you your wish... consider it

disastrous marriage

ending it was the only way to

his eyes; she could tell he

marriage was

grip on Rem's collar, whispering, "So, after the flight, you'll come with me

"Yeah."

Rem

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

heart tightened, but

he