Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

After the doctor left his final instructions and walked out, Remington sat by the hospital bed, holding Lizetta's hands against his lips. His complexion was as pale and drawn as Lizetta's, who lay on the bed before him.

Lizetta stirred back to consciousness as daylight broke through the window, the sun piercing through the clouds, heralding a clear day after the storm. Yet, the storm had taken away their Daisy, who never got a chance to see the world, forever lost in that night of thunder and pouring rain.

Lizetta's eyes opened silently. As Remington twisted a towel to dab away her sweat, he caught sight of her empty gaze.

Lying there, her once vibrant and clear eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, large yet devoid of any spirit. Unlike her previous frenzy, she now resembled a soulless doll, passively lying there.

"Woke up? You must be hungry. How about I make you some chicken noodle soup?" Remington's voice cracked slightly, then he leaned closer, his tone softening to the utmost gentleness. He seemed calm, as though everything had passed and it was all clear skies now.

Lizetta's eyes slowly moved to him, her lips trembling faintly as she spoke. Her voice was weak, barely audible. Remington had to lean in to hear her first words to him.

"Remington, where were you then?"

was at a loss for

Has Evelina's child been born?" she asked

Again, he was silent.

Lizetta's unconscious state, Remington had received news. Evelina had a cesarean section and gave birth to a boy. Though premature, the baby survived.

the former was a cruel irony, and the

it with his

voice hoarse. "Liz, we

eyelashes fluttered

a cold look. Men were cruel, thinking another child could replace everything lost. But to Lizetta, Daisy was irreplaceable. No future child could

were not comforting; they cut deep. Moreover, his naivety was laughable, absurd

into a sorrowful

'we'? What future did they