Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

How could she just stand there, indifferent?

This was the only man she had ever loved, the man who, over and over, confessed his love for her. Words she once dreamed of hearing, now sweeping over her like a hurricane, overwhelming and all- consuming.

"Liz, please don't cry. Did I say something wrong again? Did I upset you?"

Lizetta's tears fell faster, scalding drops landing on the man's hands and cheeks. Remington gently wiped them away, his handsome face a mix of tenderness and panic.

But Lizetta pushed him away forcefully. She staggered backward, nearly falling. Remington turned pale with fright, jumping up to catch her, only to be pushed away again. His tall, lean figure stood there, hand outstretched, watching her cry, wanting to embrace her but too afraid to do so, his expression one of deep regret.

Lizetta choked out between sobs, glaring at him, "Don't touch me, you jerk!"

"Alright, alright, I won't come closer. I'm the jerk, the absolute worst, unforgivable. Please, just stop crying."

more he tried,

calmed down a bit,

You choose now to say these things, just when I found out about my real family, when I'm at my most vulnerable and my defenses are down. You're trying to sway my heart! You

that, Lizetta turned and quickly entered the bathroom, locking the door behind her. She was afraid if she delayed any longer, she'd give in to her

see the shocked

was his usual self-assurance and strategic thinking. Those words had come naturally to him, a true reflection of his feelings. But in her eyes,

nothing but calculated manipulation.

if I made you sad again, I take back what I said. If you don't want to see

there was no response from inside. He didn't know if she was still crying, suppressing the urge to break in, he sighed deeply and turned

perhaps, were the best way to release emotions, like lancing a boil, painful but somehow relieving the bitterness in her

into the room. Lizetta paused, surprised.