Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington didn't opt for boiling water but instead warmed up a cup of milk for Lizetta.

He walked back into the living room, placing the warm cup between Lizetta's icy hands, his large palms covering her cold ones. "Take it slow."

The lights in the living room felt too soft to Lizetta, casting a gentle glow in the man's amber eyes, making them appear overly tender.

She averted her gaze, withdrawing her hands from his. "Thanks for tonight, but why are you here?" she asked, sipping the milk and looking up at him.

Remington had been hanging around downstairs every night for the past few days, sometimes leaving in the middle of the night, other times just sleeping in his car. No matter how late it was, he made it a poin to visit; otherwise, he'd find it hard to sleep back at Oakridge Heights.

He was glad he came early today, but he had promised Lizetta he wouldn't bother her until Stella had left.

Changing the subject, he said, "You're sweating bullets. Let me get some water for you to wipe off."

He fetched a bowl of warm water and a warm towel, leaning in to wipe Lizetta's face for her. Lizetta had just put down her half-drunk milk.

"I'll do it myself," she said.

Remington paused, not insisting.

just as Lizetta took the towel, her phone in her pocket began to ring. She thought she had calmed down, underestimating the terror of childhood traumas. Her hand shook,

up the towel, held her in his arms, forcibly keeping

warm towel soothed her tense skin, bringing a slight sting

asked as he wiped her hands.

the call had just timed out, automatically hanging up. The phone

was still on

Cedric, and

Lizetta's fingertips touched it,

Aman's deep voice filled

I love her. We had many

did Lizetta. She then frantically tried to stop the video. It was Cedric

feel guilty? As if she was secretly spying on him, paying attention to

before Lizetta could regather her thoughts, the video stopped, plunging the living room into an