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.

lady into the bakery and ordered her

sat down, Lizetta pushed the dessert towards her and said, "Here's

and then stood

and she quickly walked over

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

family member. Reluctantly, under the lady's insistent urging,

also scanned the lady for

Lizetta gently coaxed her into

radio station for help?" After Dean left with her phone, Lizetta turned and

coat billowing behind him as

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 her to return without their

Lizetta had been feeling a change

in being decisive when not intending to give hope, she

he could speak,

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. When you're free,