Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Liz, wake up, we're here."

Lizetta was roused from her slumber by a clear, clean male voice beside her. She pushed her sleep mask up and glanced out the window to see the plane slowly descending toward Zion City Airport. The surrounding buildings felt both familiar and foreign, leaving Lizetta momentarily dazed.

When she left, her heart was in turmoil, overwhelmed by grief, convinced she'd never set foot here again. Yet, unexpectedly, just four months later, circumstances forced her return. And now, her heart was surprisingly at peace.

"Liz, have some water. Big bro's guy is already here waiting for us."

A thermos was opened and considerately handed to Lizetta.

Taking the thermos, Lizetta turned to look at the delicately rebellious face of Hamilton Madden next to her and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Man, when did kids start taking such good care of others? No wonder you're hailed as this year's top male star for making both moms and girlfriends swoon."

Lizetta took a sip of water, reaching out to ruffle Hamilton's uneven, silver-gray fluffy hair.

Hamilton met Lizetta's teasing gaze and shook his head with a proud air.

superior

younger brother, and Hamilton never imagined that his idol, the lady he had a crush on, would turn out

was only shocked at the

everyone else, thinking the Madden family relied solely on Nelson's branch

wouldn't want a kind, beautiful sister who could also write songs and choreograph

to Zion City and Nelson unable to accompany her due to health reasons, Hamilton was entrusted with the task of escorting

accepted, aware of Lizetta's past struggles in Zion City and thus was exceptionally attentive and caring throughout the trip. Lizetta

she wasn't as fragile

disembark, Hamilton put on a baseball cap and mask, reaching out to take Lizetta's bag. She quickly stopped him. "Don't. I don't want to be mistaken for your girlfriend

other items, even

"Let's go."

could protest, Lizetta was already

back. His cousin seemed to underestimate her beauty and

what they see at face value; they're like detectives with