Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption ( Lizetta )

He grumbled, and then abruptly ended the call.

Clutching her phone, Lizetta couldn't shake the irritation brewing within her. She tried calling back, but now, Remington's line was dead again. "Liz, are you seriously gonna listen to him?"

Remington's promise to show up echoed in Lizetta's mind. She put down her phone and with a slight smile, nodded, "Let's go ahead with it."

"But if we go through with the wedding as planned and Remington doesn't show up tomorrow?" Yolanda was worried, feeling that scoundrel Remington could very well pull such a stunt.

"Because this is the last time I'm waiting for him. So, even if he doesn't show, it's okay."

The fear was in the endless waiting, never knowing if he would come.

She'd endured such long waits. This last time, waiting till the end wasn't an issue; it was about bringing things full circle, giving herself closure.

The rain was torrential, sweeping across the forests, with gusts of wind enveloping everything in its path.

A branch, unable to withstand the pressure, snapped, hurling towards Remington.

"Mr. Dashiell, watch out!" Ray shouted as he ran forward, but it was too late.

Fortunately, Remington dodged just in time. The branch missed his head but struck his shoulder hard, sending him stumbling a couple of steps before he managed to steady himself against a rock, preventing a

fall.

"Mr. Dashiell, are you hurt?"

"I'm fine. Is the helicopter ready?" Remington looked up, his voice firm.

The rain blurred his vision, and despite wearing a raincoat, he was a sorry sight.

Three days ago, Remington had received a tip that Stella might've been taken to a secluded mountain village. Some kidnapped women often ended up in such remote places.

The villagers were wary, and Remington, fearing complications in the rescue, had hurried over himself.

Finding Stella and getting her out had been smooth. But the weather was not on their side, and a landslide had blocked their path.

After much effort, they'd managed to call in a helicopter. Remington was worried about Lizetta and had run across two hills just to make that call.

Thinking back on the call, the anger and frustration in her voice had left Remington feeling helpless and anxious. But since the helicopter had arrived, he could make it up to his soon-to-be-wife tomorrow. Lizetta was always stubborn but soft-hearted. She'd certainly understand, Remington thought, smiling slightly.

He called out, "Ray, at the wedding tomorrow, I'm gonna drink to my heart's content!"

Having found Stella and feeling relieved, plus the upcoming wedding and soon becoming a father, he felt gruntled for all the pleasant moments he had and would've enjoyed in life, indeed a time to celebrate. "Sure! I and the guys will drink with you till dawn," Ray responded enthusiastically.

They hurried to the makeshift helipad, where the helicopter's lights made the surrounding vegetation dance wildly.

Another team member rushed up, his face clearly anxious under the harsh light.

"What's the matter?" Remington asked grimly, striding forward.

"Mr. Dashiell, it's bad news. Ms. West has spiked a high fever and just passed out."

Remington's expression shifted as he rushed to the helicopter. Bending down to enter the cabin, he saw Stella lying there, her face flushed and eyes closed.

He touched her forehead, and whether it was his hands, chilled from the cold rain, or Stella's fever running high, her skin felt alarmingly hot.

Remington urgently ordered, "Quick, to the nearest hospital."