Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"The CEO helped Mrs. Dashiell into the car and then got in himself," Cedric hadn't finished his sentence when Lizetta, anxious, started running toward the hill. Cedric watched Lizetta's retreating figure and chuckled under his breath, rubbing his hands together before he headed toward Mr. Jackson's duty room in the back. There, Mr. Jackson had rigged up a small kitchen and was busy washing rice, preparing to make some porridge.

Cedric approached, "Mr. Jackson, do you think our boss and his wife will make up this time?"

""Ah, young folks' business, how would I know?"

"I reckon it's about time. Even if they don't reconcile this time, they're just one step away."

...

Meanwhile, Lizetta sprinted up the hill as fast as she could.

Reaching the top, she caught sight of that familiar figure. The man was in the same posture as the night before, kneeling rigidly in front of a gravestone.

His figure was stoic, his back serene, motionless.

The night's frost and the morning's mist had already soaked his hair and clothes.

The darkened fabric of his neatly pressed suit bore witness to his vigil. Hearing footsteps, he turned around, his deep, clear eyes as if cleansed by the mist, sharp and profound.

sun finally

smiled at Lizetta, his lips curving into a genuinely happy

the sky's cleared up. Do you think

keep in check. She

the bet, you fool! Now get up, do you want to

Dashiell who had been forced to kneel at the family chapel, spending

stubborn as

down to help him up,

"Ouch! Don't move me!"

"What's wrong?"

was startled, quickly letting

legs, without support,

the sensation of thousands of biting ants overwhelming as Lizetta's pull seemed to reactivate his circulation. Unable to stand, he almost

evident on his face,

I didn't mean to. Your legs are numb,

Lizetta knelt to

f.n