Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Evelina got the ball rolling with her response.

“Remington, Liz took off all of a sudden,”

Remington figured that Lizetta bailed because she didn’t want to see him, and that’s why she just ditched the interpreting gig and left.

The guy’s face went ice–cold as he snapped at Dories, “Need an interpreter? I can step in for now!

Dories gave Remington a grin, “Thanks for the offer, Mr. Dashiell, but we’re good. Let’s have Ms. Hawthorne come in and give us a taste of her music.”

She still had a bit of a frown between her brows she had high hopes for Lizetta.

She’d replayed Lizetta’s dance videos over and over.

She found Lizetta super talented, as her dancing had soul and a unique flair – a real diamond in the rough.

After meeting her, she was stricken by Lizetta’s way with people, her poise, and chill attitude with the Oriental charm, which made her company quite enjoyable.

But Dories didn’t see this letdown coming

She turned on her heel into the room, while Anna shrugged apologetically at Remington and gestured for Evelina to follow.

“Dories is off to a meet–up soon, you’ve got just ten minutes”

Evelina nodded, bent down to pick up her violin case, and glanced over at Remington.

She was hoping for his nod of approval and some cheer–leading, it would be even better if he could join her.

That Dories, just a dancer, yet was so snooty – with Remington there, maybe she’d play nice for the guy’s

sake.

But the man’s gaze was deep–set in space, and he didn’t even glance her way.

Evelina bit her lip and walked in with her head down.

Once the door shut, Cedric carefully broke the ice.

“Boss, want me to check on the missus? She’s not one to bail without a good reason or shirk her duties. If something came up, she’d definitely explain.”

Lizetta had been a clerk in the boss’s office for over a year, under Cedric’s wing

Even as a junior clerk, she was diligent, never missed a beat; she was a serious and reliable gal.

Remington, with his hand in pocket, swung around to eye Cedric.

“You know her that well?”

Feeling a chill up his spine, Cedric chuckled awkwardly.

“Of course, I don’t know her like you do, boss. Just asking

–

Remington’s voice went frosty, “I’ve said it before – no need to bring up her stuff to me. Need me to repeat myself?”

Cedric’s scalp tingled, “Sorry.”

Remington was already striding away, and Cedric, wiping his sweaty brow, hurried after him.

07:31

Dories gave Evelina ten minutes, but she was in and out in a mere five.

She looked less than peachy when she emerged, and April was there waiting, anxious, taking the violin case off her hands.

“How’d it go? Did Dories bite?”

Evelina shook her head, fuming, “She flat–out told me I didn’t meet her standards. I didn’t even get through one piece before she cut me off and showed me the door!” This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.

Evelina was livid, “She’s just a dancer! If she thinks she’s so great and the audience is there just for her, for the dance, then why the fuss over the accompaniment? A bit off doesn’t make a difference! She’s just a menopausal old hag being picky on purpose.”

April, in a panic someone might overhear, especially since they were right outside Dories‘ door, clamped her hand over Evelina’s mouth.

“Chill, girl, let’s take this back to the room.”

Back in the room, Evelina kicked off her shoes and plopped down on the couch, all worked up.

She figured that with Remington’s clout, Dories would’ve cut her some slack.

She thought it was all just a formality today.

Thinking about how Dories had favored Lizetta before, and then recalling the tortured look on Dories‘ face. while she played, Evelina grabbed her smokes and lit up in frustration.