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.

softly, Lizetta led the lady into the

and said, "Here's your

and then stood

were swift for her age, and she

with a spoon, handed it to Lizetta, and pushed the dessert between them, smiling warmly, "Elsa, isn't this your favorite strawberry pancake? You have to share it with me, eat up." Lizetta, puzzled,

seemed she had been mistaken for a family member. Reluctantly, under

for any contact information, finding

might be frantic, Lizetta gently coaxed

the radio station for help?"

his coat billowing behind him as

heart tightened, recalling his previous confession of affection during their time in Luminesia. Clearly, Dora was Jerome's hire, and it

was Jerome, and Lizetta had been feeling a change in her

when not intending to

could speak,

forgot to tel you, I have a bodyguard with 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