Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

He hurried upstairs, his steps quick with concern, and pushed open the bedroom door.

But the bed was empty, no sign of Lizetta. His expression shifted to one of worry and confusion. "Liz?"

He strode into the room, pushing the bathroom door open with urgency, but it was empty too.

"Liz! Lizetta!"

Just as Remington was about to call out for help, his gaze swept toward the balcony and he froze in his tracks.

There, standing on the balcony with a delicate silhouette, was Lizetta. She must have heard his frantic calls, but she didn't turn around or respond.

With a tight jaw, Remington quickly stepped outside.

"You're supposed to be in postpartum recovery, you shouldn't be out here in the cold."

His voice was deep and concerned as he rushed over and scooped Lizetta into his arms.

She felt lighter than ever, as fragile as a willow fluff in his embrace.

Lizetta let herself be carried back to bed and tucked in without a word.

"Don't run off like that again!" Remington frowned, his worry evident.

Only then did Lizetta look at him. "What's next? You're going to lock me in?"

thin smile played on Remington's lips. "Glad you

a

called out?" he asked,

run away? Or that I'd jump off the balcony?" Lizetta's tone was laced

at him, her

word from you have to be so sharp?" "You could let me go and find someone sweet

then drifted to the

smear of red on the cuff of his

Lipstick.

YOUR

have been from when he

to explain. "Liz, I

Lizetta cut him off. "You're free to meet whoever you want, Remington. I just want to know, have you found anything

onto hers, seeing the emotionless facade

jealous of Stella but now, it seemed she genuinely wished he'd find someone else to free her from whatever pain

his mouth, as if

voice was hoarse as he

of joy. "If you do find something,

tone was the calmest it had been in

He nodded. "Yes."

won't hide anything from