Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta nestled in the man's embrace, her mind a whirlwind of confusion and shock.

Flashes of her childhood flickered before her eyes, her shoulders trembling slightly as she spoke in a hoarse voice.

"I can barely remember anything from before I was six, living with the Hawthornes. It's all a blur until I was kicked out...

Being abandoned was terrifying, but I knew Evelina was the rightful Hawthorne child, and going back to the Gardenias was where I belonged.

I entered the Gardenia household full of hope, but the first time I called Hans 'Dad,' I was met with a slap across the face. After that, beatings and going hungry became a part of my daily life.

I often despaired, wondering why I was cursed with such parents. But we don't get to choose our parents, so all I could do was swallow my tears and endure.

And now you're telling me it was all a lie, that they aren't my real parents. What does that make all the suffering and beatings I endured?!"

Lizetta choked up, her fists clenched, trembling with rage.

She wasn't a Gardenia child; they could have handed her over to the police or sent her to an orphanage.

Anything would have been better than this deception, letting her endure years of physical and emotional torment.

"Liz, it's a good thing you're not a Gardenia. They never deserved to be your parents! If you still want to find your real family, I'll help you search!

Even if I mess up and you don't want me around, I'll

large hands gently stroked Lizetta's hair, soothing her trembling frame with a voice so tender it

She could feel his

shell around her heart, warmed by his

her push Remington away, wiping her cheeks

Daisy, and that's enough for

didn't mind her harsh words

you're ready to have me

his shamelessness unbearable, a

looking away, only to see Thaddeus

quietly which brought annet

pang

tears

I would

car accident Thaddeus was in happened while

had looked into it, fearing that this

was

guilt, Remington, feeling helpless, pulled