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.

the

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

the dessert and then stood up, "Just a

and she

between them, smiling warmly, "Elsa, isn't this your favorite strawberry pancake? You have to share it

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

the lady for any contact

frantic, Lizetta gently coaxed

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

his coat billowing behind him

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

Jerome, and Lizetta had been feeling a change

in being decisive when not intending to

could

gesturing towards the bodyguard she had left behind, and started, "Mr. Madden, worried about me in my condition? I 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.