Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Her hands were warm and soft, much like Fiona's.

They were the hands of someone who lived a life of comfort and ease, Lizetta noted. The elderly lady carried herself with a grace reminiscent of Fiona's.

She exuded a peaceful aura, the kind that comes with age, not at all the type to mean harm.

So, Lizetta signaled to the approaching bodyguard to hold back.

The elderly lady, as Lizetta had guessed, didn't drag her away but instead stopped in front of a bakery's display window. She pointed at a dessert behind the glass, smiling at Lizetta.

"I'm hungry, I'd really like to have that. Could you treat me to it?" she asked, her eyes gleaming like a child asking for candy.

Lizetta realized the lady was somewhat disoriented, probably separated from her family.

With a gentle smile growing on her face, Lizetta nodded, "Of course, I can do that for you, but you'll have to promise me one thing in return."

The elderly lady nodded eagerly, as if afraid Lizetta might change her mind and the dessert would vanish.

into the bakery and ordered her a strawberry soufflé

towards her and said, "Here's your treat. Could you give me your family's phone number

at the dessert and then stood up, "Just a

were swift for her age, and she

Lizetta, and pushed the dessert between them, smiling warmly, "Elsa, isn't this your favorite strawberry pancake? You have to share it with

mistaken for a family member. Reluctantly, under the lady's insistent urging, she shared the dessert with

lady for any contact information,

be frantic, Lizetta gently coaxed her into taking a

her bodyguard, Dean, and instructed, "Can you take this photo to the radio station for help?" After Dean left with her

was Jerome, his coat billowing behind him as

Luminesia. Clearly, Dora was Jerome's hire, and it was unusual for her to return

here was Jerome, and Lizetta had been feeling a change

to give hope, she braced

he could

me, left by Remington. You've been a great help in Luminesia, a real lifesaver to both me and the baby. When you're free, I'd like to invite you and Remington for