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

"You don't seem too happy about it. Having second

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

smile, feeling a pang of pain. He wished he didn't have to let her go, especially with other men buzzing around her like flies. But he was out

his forceful tactics, he dared not use

afraid of

with Ralap still at large, Lizzy staying

grant you your wish... consider it

disastrous marriage was

the only way to break

the resolution in his eyes; she could tell he was

was truly

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

"Yeah."

quieted down, letting Rem

the town recede through the window, her eyes filled with reluctance and longing. And

tightened, but then he

here?" he suddenly