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

Lizetta's heart was a tangled mess of emotions, caught between hoping the rain would hold off for the night, offering a flimsy excuse for relief and self-deception, and wishing for a torrential downpour to end this destined agony. Another peal of thunder lit up her pale face, sending shivers down her spine as she clutched her umbrella tighter.

She used to dread the stormy nights, for they meant that Hans Gardenia wouldn't step out, choosing instead to drown his sorrows in alcohol and take his anger out on her.

But living with Remington Dashiell had changed that, easing her fears over the two years they shared a home. Until that fateful night of hardship returned her old fears. Quickening her pace up the hill, Lizetta barely made a few steps before another lightning strike rendered the solemn gravestones even more ghostly and isolated.

Her legs gave way, almost sending her to the ground in defeat.

Meanwhile, Cedric was lounging in his car, humming a tune while showering his favorite streamer with donations, securing his top donor status. The sudden knock on his window made him turn, just as a flash of lightning revealed a woman's dark, thick hair and her bloodlessly pale face outside.

"Holy mother!" he exclaimed as his phone slipped from his grasp, hitting him in the eye and eliciting a double dose of yelps.

It took another round of knocking and a familiar voice for Cedric to recognize the figure not as some specter but as Mrs. Dashiell herself.

But something was off. Shouldn't Mrs. Dashiell be with the CEO?

Cedric hastily opened the door, stepping out, "Mrs. Dashiell, where's the boss? It's getting windy, please, get in the car."

Handing her umbrella to Cedric, Lizetta said, "Remi's still up there; it's about to rain. Take this to him and urge him to come down." Cedric, puzzled but aware of the urgency, nodded, instructing Lizetta to get in the car while he made his way to the cemetery.

Watching him go, Lizetta hesitated before her worry got the better of her, prompting her to follow.

"Mrs. Dashiell? I can go alone, please head back..."

Cedric tried to dissuade her, fearing the CEO's wrath if Lizetta got caught in the rain.

But Lizetta urged, "I'm scared on my own, Cedric, let's hurry."

Seeing her genuine fear, Cedric couldn't object.

To lighten the mood, he switched topics. "Mrs. Dashiell, did you and the boss enjoy your meal today? Was the restaurant to your satisfaction?"

"It was fine, Lizetta replied, about to

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express her preference for not arranging such outings again when Cedric eagerly credited Remington for the restaurant choice.

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"Glad you liked it! The boss personally picked it out from a dozen hotspots for couples. Even had those cute ordering robots that can tailor questions for customers. Heard it's got the highest proposal success rate lately."

Curious, Cedric glanced at Lizetta. "So, what did that little robot ask you and the boss?"

Recalling the robot's awkwardly intimate question amidst the silence of the night, Lizetta clenched her teeth in annoyance.

She thought to herself how such an adorable robot ended up being so cringeworthy-all thanks to the schemes of men.

And tonight, her simple wish to visit

Daisy had turned into an

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inescapable predicament, all

orchestrated by Remington, the man she couldn't figure out.