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."

his wit's end, clueless about how to comfort her. The more he tried, the more she seemed to cry, the

calmed down

now to say these things, just when I found out about my

behind her. She was afraid if she delayed any longer, she'd give in to her softer emotions and

didn't see the shocked

Remington's face as she closed the door. His deep eyes reddened, losing their usual calm, filled with hurt. Gone was his usual self-assurance

nothing but calculated manipulation.

his voice strained. "Liz, if I made you sad again, I take back what I said. If

moment, but there was no response from inside. He didn't know if she was

against the door, her eyes wet but unable to stop the silent tears. Tears, perhaps, were the best way to release emotions,

floated into the room. Lizetta