Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington looked up, “So, running errands is your hobby? How about I transfer you to the Dashiell Group’s logistics company to shine bright?”

Cedric shuddered, quickly packed up his stuff, and bolted out of the office like a bat out of hell.

Remington went back to his paperwork, business as usual, but there was a hint of Irritation in his eyes.

That woman was playing him like a fiddle, getting better at giving him the cold shoulder, blocking him and hanging up on his calls like it was her day job. Did he have no pride? Still bending over backward to shower her with resources?

Instead of living the cushy life as Mrs. Dashiell, she was hell–bent on chasing hardship. If she had such a hunger for suffering, he’d let her have a taste for a few more days. Once she’d had enough of the pain, she’d know where her safe harbor was.

At Meadowbrook Meadows.

Right after Lizetta hung up the phone, Yolanda huffed, “Let’s steel our heart and be done playing with jerkfaces! I’m off to go head–to–head with the trolls!”

She was all geared up to go back to her room and have a keyboard war with the haters. But Lizetta grabbed her, “Chill, staying in constant fury may take a toll on the breasts. Let’s roll; time to hunt for some grub.

“But.”

“Forget about online drama. I’ve got it covered; no rush, we can clap back tomorrow.”

Lizetta dragged Yolanda out the door, and they found a cozy little diner. Breakfast arrived, and Lucian called.

“Litchi, everything at the police station is crystal clear. It’s classified as an attempted sexual assault, and you were defending yourself, no blame on you. That dude woke up and after two days of observation in the hospital, he’ll be transferred to the detention center, no light sentence. Your info’s been locked down tight; you just take it easy.”

Lizetta let out a sigh of relief, “Okay.”

“Not sounding too chipper. You’re not still at odds with Remi, are you?”

Lizetta cracked a smile, “I’m thinking of how to thank you.”

“At least you’ve got a conscience. Don’t go overboard, just brew a few more jars of green plum wine for me this year. I’ve already finished mine, no more in the Dashiell family mansion either. I’ve been craving that taste.”

Behind the Dashiell family house were a few green plum trees. The fruit was tart, and

13:12

Lizetta would make green plum wine every year,

The doctor said it was good for digestion and fatigue, and helpful for cardiovascular diseases, so Fiona was quite fond of it.

Lucian too said that Lizetta’s plum wine tasted like home, different from any other drink. In the four years he hadn’t been home, he never forgot to ask for his yearly fix.

Lizetta always made sure to send some his way, even if it meant air freight.

“It’s not the season yet. How about I set you up with a girlfriend instead? You’ve finally had some reputation now; why let good things go to waste?”

*Stop! Grandma and mom are on my case about marriage enough as it is, it’s bad enough from them since they’re the elders, but what gives you, a little squirt, any right to nag?”

Lizetta went silent, “By right of being your sister–in–law.”

“Pffthaha.”

Yolanda could imagine Lucian’s bafflement on the other end and couldn’t help but spit out her soy milk in laughter.

“Marrying Remi sure made you bold! Oh, there’s a race at the club next week; wanna come watch?”

Lizetta wasn’t too keen on joining the crowd, but Yolanda got excited, shaking her arm and cooing in a low voice.

“Let’s go, let’s go! I’ve never seen a car race before.”

She had gotta pamper her bestie!

“Alright, I’ll bring Yolanda along.”

After breakfast, Lizetta headed to the set to shoot a couple of dance stand–in scenes.

It was a period drama about palace intrigue, with the second female lead being a seductive empress who captured the emperor’s heart with a dance.

Drenched in favor, she became the protagonist’s greatest rival. Later, due to arrogance and family downfall, she lost favor and was locked up. Proud and haughty, she refused to just rot away.

Barefoot and disheveled, she climbed the same stage where she once danced to enthrall the emperor. A sword dance followed, filled with mournful cries, and at the end, she slit her throat, a beauty’s life tragically cut short.

These two dances were crucial – one had to be enchanting enough to captivate an emperor, the other mad and mournful, embodying the character’s joys and sorrows. The role wouldn’t stand without them, and the challenge was immense. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Yet Lizetta nailed them with ease, both in one take.

“Bravo, bravo, beautiful dancing! You captured exactly what I wanted! Gorgeous face, great on camera! I can’t bear to replace these shots in post–production; you’re born for this gig!”

The director repeatedly praised her while reviewing the footage and instructed his assistant, “Send her an extra sum of money, and keep her contact info.”

That was code for future collaborations.

The second female lead waiting to reshoot her scenes was none other than Lulu, the celebrity they had seen at Maplewood Club the other day.