Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

She really needed to chug more water to flush out her system, she’s worried that the meds might mess with

her little bun in the oven.

Sorry, little one, Mama didn’t keep you safe enough.

“Stop drinking, that water’s too cold!”

Hogan noticed that she was off her game, guzzling one bottle and going for another, so he leaned over and snagged it from her.

Lizetta was drinking so fast that she started choking and coughing.

“Cough cough, I’m feeling all wobbly, must be the drugs haven’t worn off yet. Gotta speed up the detox. I mean, catching up with Dories is a long shot, but I’m gotta be prepped for that interview, right?”

She didn’t want to spill the beans about her pregnancy to Hogan, so that was her excuse.

Feeling himself at his wit’s end, Hogan pulled over and hauled a box of room–temp water from the trunk, placing it by Lizetta’s feet.

But by the time Lizetta made it to the airport, Dories‘ flight had already taken off.

“Come on, let’s head back. Shoot Anna an email, and explain a few more times, maybe there’s still a chance.”

Hogan was trying to cheer Lizetta up

As they turned to leave, Lizetta looked up, and was shocked to see Dories and Anna strolling out from a VIP lounge.

Lizetta was over the moon, “Professor Dories, you haven’t left! That’s just awesome.”

She dashed toward them but was stopped a few steps away by the bodyguard.

Dories was giving off a frosty vibe; clearly peeved, she didn’t stop to hear Lizetta out.

Lizetta stepped back, gave a deep bow, and called out loudly.

*Professor Dories, my bad, I’m genuinely passionate about dancing and I sincerely aspire to learn from you. I’m so sorry for holding you up and for being the cause of any negative vibes on your trip.”

She was earnest, not just spewing excuses.

Dories gave her a once–over, turned on her heel, and stepped closer.

“Not gonna explain yourself?”

“Huh?”

“You’ve got one minute,” Dories said, arching an eyebrow.

Lizetta’s heart raced as she blurted out the whole story.

Dories, seeing her barefoot and pale, didn’t doubt her words.

“I’ll give you five minutes. Are you ready?”

Lizetta was stunned again until Anna nudged her, and she nodded like she’d just won the lottery.

“I’m ready, I’ve got this!”

Dorles nodded, after signaling her entourage to wait outside, she doubled back to the VIP lounge.

Hogan quickly stepped up and took the jacket off Lizetta, his eyes twinkling with a smile.

“Knock ‘em dead.”

Lizetta took a deep breath and followed Dories in.

Hogan paced nervously outside; Dories had said five minutes, but neither of them emerged after nearly twenty had passed.

But that probably meant good news.

By the time Hogan lost count of his watch checks, the door opened, and out came Lizetta, with sweat dotting her forehead and her hair getting damp, but her eyes were shining like the star itself.

She met Hogan’s gaze and her lips curled into a smile.

“Hogan, thanks a bunch, I nailed it.”

Hogan’s smile widened, “I knew it, congrats, Liz, may you sparkle like a star on the world’s stage.”

They left, and then Anna walked in.

“Dories.

you said yes to Lizetta? Was it because of Mr. Dashiell?”

Dories slipped on her coat, “No, she’s meant to be seen by the world. She earned it; it was her dance that convinced me.” NôvelDrama.Org: owner of this content.

Anna raised an eyebrow.

“Seems like you’re really into Lizetta, congrats. But we gotta board now; Mr. Dashiell’s private jet is waiting.”

Dories nodded and headed out with Anna.

Anna chuckled, “That Mr. Dashiell’s a strange one, who shelled out big bucks for Lizetta, yet doesn’t want us

to mention it to her.”

Dories shrugged and shook her head with a laugh, “L