Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Chapter 104 Sure, she knew them, but they didn’t know her from a can of paint.

When Lizetta thought about Remington splashing out big bucks for Evelina’s music, she didn't feel it strange.

“Probably, yeah.” “Pfft, with Evelina’s violin skills, trying to hit it big in the art scene is a dead end. No wonder she’s shelling out for tunes. She's got her sights set on using her violinist gig as a stepping stone before diving headfirst into showbiz.” Yolanda clicked her tongue, clearly unimpressed.

Lizetta kept mum. Remington was laying down the red carpet for Evelina, spoon-feeding her opportunities, even stooping to wine and dine with her. Talked about bending over backward.

Just thinking about Evelina’s Facebook post about changing the dressing made Lizetta wanna hurl.

When Remington's gaze floated over, Lizetta quickly looked down, scalded the curry with hot water, and placed them in front of Yolanda and Hogan.

“Remi! Are you just gonna stand there and watch them pick on me?” Shirley whined for ages, but Remington didn’t even bat an eyelid, which really ticked her off.

Remington's eyes were still on Lizetta, noticing how her smile vanished into thin air the moment she saw him, and how she fussed over sother dude.

The man’s handsface turned a shade darker as he withdrew his gaze.

“What do you mean, ‘picking on you*“?" “I went over to say ‘hi‘ to Hogan and Lizetta, all excited, and her friend comes atwith water to throw in my face! Lizetta doesn’t even take my side and starts mocking me, saying I'm cheap.” Shirley made up a sob story, looking all wronged.

Lizetta stood up and strutted over, chin up, her gaze at Remington dripping with sarcasm, “Remington, why are you hanging out with these two?” Evelina’s eyes welled up, “Sis, are you mad?” “Not at all,” Lizetta said, the picture of innocence.

“Then why'd you talk to Remington like that? You must've gotten it wrong.” Shirley felt like she'd heard Lizetta's words before. Realizing what was happening, she quickly tugged at Evelina.

Evelina turned, seeing Shirley looking all panicky. She was confused, but Shirley was mentally cursing her for being such a lousy wingman today.

Lizetta smirked, “You got it wrong. | was just saying ‘hi‘ to you guys, exactly like Ms. Shirley Dashiell did just now! Evelina was mortified, and Shirley was on the verge of actual tears.

Remington cast a cold glance at her, “You call that a happy greeting?” Shirley felt embarrassed and wronged. Evelina opened her mouth to defend her, but she was the one who had just accused Lizetta of having an attitude.

“Apologize!” Remington commanded Shirley coldly.

1/3 04:14 103 Shirley bit her lip, stubborn as ever. Lizetta scoffed and waved it off, “Forget it, it's more than you can handle. Just don’t disturb our meal, okay?” She turned to leave, but Remington grabbed her wrist.

“Shirley,” he said, his voice calm but clearly displeased.

Shirley looked up, eyes red, “I'm sorry.” “Sorry to whom?” Remington's patience was wearing thin.

Shirley's tears started to fall; this ther apology seemed a lot more genuine, at least on the surface.

“Lizetta, I'm sorry for disturbing your meal.” Lizetta nodded coolly and struggled to signal Remington to let go. Remington looked at Yolanda and Hogan, “Since we've bumped into each other, let's all head to the private room.” Lizetta pulled her hand away, “No need, we've already ordered.” Evelina said with a smile, “They can bring the dishes to the private room; con sis, it's been ages since we had a meal together after | cback.” She tried to link arms with Lizetta, who dodged with a raised hand, fed up, “No, thanks.” Evelina bit her lip, “Sis, are you still mad at me?” Yolanda walked over and put her arm around Lizetta's shoulders, “Ms. Hawthorne, you always have so much on your mind. | get social anxiety, | get indigestion around strangers, and of course, Liz needs to consider that.” She walked off with Lizetta, while Remington's gaze lingered on Hogan for a moment before leading the others away.

Lizetta sat back down, and Yolanda gave her a thumbs up.

“Liz, your acting’s not bad either; you nailed that Shrew Shirley!” “Shrew Shirley?” Hogan explained, “She's like swoman who always stay with nostrils in the air, stinking to high heaven, and is practically a rat.” She turned to Hogan, “Hogan, you know Shirley?” Hogan simply said, “Met a few times, not close.” “But Ms. Shirley Dashiell seems to have a huge crush on you, Dr. White,” Yolanda teased, her eyes like a love radar.

Hogan's smile grew slowly, “But I've already got someone | have a crush on, and it's not 2/3 04.145 Ms. Shirley Dashiell.” His gaze unintentionally fell on Lizetta, who caught the overly tender look behind his glasses and paused, her mind elsewhere.

Shirley had got her nose in the air, and Hogan was clearly from a notable family. But Lizetta hadn't heard Hogan talk about it, nor had she seen him in the usual circles; she always thought Hogan was just a regular doctor.

“Evelina’s planning to break into showbiz? The folks she was with are big names in the industry,” Yolanda mentioned, as she was from a film academy and, though she hadn't landed a role yet, she'd been on movie sets doing stunts, so she knew her showbiz folks.

way around 1 Then the waiter brought the dishes, and Yolanda, not wanting to make Lizetta feel awkward, dropped the subject.

But no sooner than the food hit the table, Hogan's phone buzzed. Picking up, he frowned after a few words.

“What's up, Hogan?" “Got an emergency. | need to dash back for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. Sorry, afraid | can't give you a ride later.” He stood up, and Lizetta quickly waved him off, “Go!” Hogan gave an apologetic smile and made a beeline for the exit.

“Man, being a doc is no cakewalk. Can't even enjoy a good meal.” Yolanda sighed and was about to dig in when she realized she was about to chow down on ssliced beef. Her utensil quivered, and the beef plunged back into her plate.

Lizetta couldn't help but snicker at her startled reaction.

The restaurant was decked out in traditional style. Hogan stepped out and paused in the courtyard, looking up at the second floor.

Gingko leaves tinged with autumn hues, the carved windows open to the east, a man in a black suit stood at the window, the midday sun dancing across his sharp brow, not softening his aura of aloof solitude one bit.

It was Remington, a man green with jealousy.

The moment Hogan got the call from the hospital, he knew this wasn't just a coincidence.

04:141 Remington's hand was all over it.

Eyes locked, Hogan's expression stayed put, giving a cordial nod before striding away .He was a doctor, after all. Whether the surgery was legit or not, he couldn't afford to waste time. Lizetta had 2 small appetite. Even though she was eating for two now, by the tshe was fuli, Yolanda was just getting into the swing of things.

Good thing that girl worked off her food with all the exercises she did. Lizetta told her to take her tand headed for the restroom.

While washing her hands, voices started up outside.

“Eve, I'm so jealous of you. Remi loves you so much, thinking of everything for you. With Remi paving the way, you'll be A-list this tnext year!” “You too, let's give it our all.” Shirley and Evelina cin all lovey—dovey, not a hint of surprise on Lizetta’s face.

Shirley wanted to savor Lizetta's green—eyed misery, but Lizetta’s face gave away nothing. She barely glanced at them before making a beeline for the door.

Evelin stepped forward, and Lizetta hastily retreated, moving so quickly it nearly gave Shirley a fright.

“What's your deal? Jumping at shadows!” Shirley snapped.

Lizetta smirked, “Gotta watch out for scammers, right? If she takes a tumble and blamesfor hurting her little golden nugget, who am | gonna argue with?” Lizetta grabbed her phone, hit record, and faced Shirley and Evelina as she walked away.

Shirley, fuming, grabbed Lizetta, mindful of the recording, and changed her tune.

“Sorry about that, Lizetta. We didn't realize you were here. Remi's setting up a showbiz company for Eve,making her a star.You heard all about it, right? The folks we dined with today are big-name directors and producers. You don't mind, do you? By the way, Remi dropped 200 grand just so Eve could play her idol's tune once. Bet you never guessed Remi had such a romantic side, huh?” Lizetta raised an eyebrow. She knew alright. Remington wasn’t being romantic; he was being played for a sucker.

Evelina’s smile was radiant, “Sis, you're so pretty; why not join us in showbiz? Don’t worry; I'll talk to Remington for you.” Shirley immediately chimed in, “Eve, you're too kind. Showbiz is all about being loved. You need good connections to make it.

What hope does Lizetta have?” 2/13 04:14 10% The insinuation was clear: Lizetta was the type people loved to hate, Lizetta couldn't stand their bragging and boasting, She nodded, her gaze landing on Evelina’s belly.

“No offense, but I've never seen a baby bump debut. But hey,you're a special case,Who knows, maybe you'll make it big riding on that bump, Good luck.” She shook off Shirley's grasp and walked away, leaving behind a trail of Shirley's indignant curses.

Heading back to the main hall, Lizetta didn’t expect to be swept up by a strong arm around her waist and pushed against the wall just as she rounded the corner.