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

Lizetta pushed the dessert towards her and said,

dessert and then

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

this your favorite strawberry pancake? You have to share it with me, eat up." Lizetta, puzzled, wondered who

been mistaken for a family member. Reluctantly, under the lady's insistent

for any contact

her family might be frantic, Lizetta gently coaxed her into

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

behind him as

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

Jerome, and Lizetta had been feeling

decisive when not intending to give hope, she braced herself for

he could

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