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.

Lizetta led the lady into the bakery and ordered her

pushed the dessert towards her and said, "Here's your treat. Could you

looked at the dessert and then stood up, "Just

for her age, and she quickly walked over to the cashier's

pushed the dessert between them, smiling warmly, "Elsa, isn't this your favorite strawberry pancake?

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

scanned the lady for

frantic, Lizetta gently coaxed her into

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

coat billowing behind him as he

recalling his previous confession of affection during their time in Luminesia. Clearly, Dora

and Lizetta had been feeling a change

intending to give hope, she braced herself

he could

you, I have a bodyguard with me, left by Remington. You've been a great help in Luminesia, a real lifesaver to both me