Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

She strutted over and plopped down on the edge of the hospital bed, fussing with her manicured nails.

“Well then, I guess I’ll just have to hit up my in–laws; they’re a couple of sweethearts. Or maybe I’ll swing by the Starlight Group and corner my dear son–in–law.”

*Over my dead body!” Lizetta stopped dead in her tracks, whirling around to shoot Jolin a piercing glare.

It was Jolin’s constant badgering for money from the Dashiell family that made her feel like she couldn’t hold her head high.

But why would Jolin care about her daughter’s well–being? She was only ever out for number one, laughing all shamelessly.

“You’re the precious lady of the Dashiell family, aren’t you? Just be a good girl, fork over the cash, and we’re square.”

Lizetta felt a chill run through her, but she couldn’t chain down Jolin’s legs. She had given Jolin access to her cards, but her mom’s greed knew no bounds.

Lizetta had lost her temper, threatened, pleaded, but Jolin was like a stone wall; she only wanted to leech off Lizetta.

Not a dime did Lizetta give, and Jolin would go and block Nathan at the entrance to the Dashiell Group.

It was an ugly scene, not long after she and Remington had tied the knot. Nathan had summoned her to the mansion’s study, didn’t scold her, and just left her standing there all night long.

Came morning, and his secretary handed her a card with a message, “The Dashiell family has taken care of you without expecting anything in return, but the least you could do is not drag our name through the mud over and over.”

“I’m not asking for a fortune; I’m your mother for crying out loud. After all, I raised you. Is it such a crime to spend a little of your money?”

Jolin said, coming over to try and snatch Lizetta’s purse, wanting to rummage through it herself.

Lizetta jerked away violently, sending Jolin stumbling a step back, livid as she pointed and cursed, “How dare you lay hands on your mother! You ungrateful brat!”

The rage on Lizetta’s face faded to cold indifference, “I’m not giving you a penny! Make a scene wherever you like. I can’t wait to be divorced. If you want to add fuel to the fire, be my guest.”

She turned and left, Jolin recalling the divorce papers that had fallen from Lizetta’s bag last time, panic flashing across her face.

“You little devil! You’re not seriously considering divorce, are you? Look, drop the money thing; just don’t do anything stupid”

She chased out of the ward, fuming as she stared at Lizetta’s retreating figure, who didn’t

look back once.

“Eve still sends me 2 grand a month as a token of respect, what’s the big deal if I ask you for some cash?”

Lizetta stopped in her tracks, turning around, “Evelina gives you 2 thousand a month? Since when?”

Jolin, looking guilty, quickly said, “What I mean is, if you won’t give it to me, I ask Eve. She’s dutiful, not cold–hearted like you, living the high life while your own mother scrapes by!”

Lizetta couldn’t be bothered with her anymore and simply walked away. She entered the elevator, thoughts on Remington’s injury, and made a detour to the hematology department to consult the doctor who had taken the blood samples.

After leaving the doctor’s office, Lizetta couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.

Night fell.

Lizetta, half–asleep, was jolted awake by the relentless vibration of her phone. Frowning. she grabbed it without looking and answered.

“Where are you? When are you coming back?”

Remington’s impatient voice, cold as striking jade, cut through the silence of the night and jolted Lizetta fully awake.

“Come back to warm your bed? Mr. Dashiell, you’ve called the wrong person!”

She was about to hang up when the man’s voice came through again, “Forgot to mention, Mrs. Dashiell, if you’re so inclined to come back and warm my bed, I wouldn’t say no.”

“Hah,” Lizetta laughed sarcastically.

As she was about to disconnect, he added, “My wound seems to be festering.”

“Festering?”

Remington mistook her response for concern, a smile curling his lips, but then he heard her cold, impatient voice.

“So what if it’s festering? Wait till it’s crawling with maggots, then give me a call. I’ll be sure to rush over to watch.”

Lizetta ended the call without giving Remington a chance to respond, hanging up irritably She tossed her phone aside; it wasn’t two minutes before it buzzed again.

Fuming, she answered, and this time Remington’s voice was calmer, deeper, more soothing, “You found out, did you?”

Lizetta laughed coldly, “Found out you’ve been playing me for a fool? It’s not my gullibility that’s to blame. I’ve seen plenty of people wish illness on others, but you’re the first I’ve seen curse themselves with sickness. Mr. Dashiell, with your acting chops, why waste time being a CEO? Why not join Evelina in showbiz? The two of you could sweep all the awards in the industry with your deceitful duo act!” © NôvelDrama.Org - All rights reserved.

Her voice was filled with anger and mockery, a sharpness uncharacteristic of her nature. “Lizetta!” Remington’s veins bulged with frustration; he called her name sternly, and then softened his tone, trying to cajole her.

“I didn’t mean to deceive you; I just wanted you to worry, to care about me. I want you to come home! I need you, Lizetta; our marriage is no joke!”