Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

This tune is such a breath of fresh air, and it’s just what she needed to make up for her shortcomings on the violin and enable her to really knock people’s socks off.

I’ve got this piece in the bag!”

Evelina’s eyes were icy as she stared down William from the Dashiell Group.

“William, the big boss handed this off to you, and I couldn’t care less how you get it done–I just want results. If you can’t handle this little thing and get the boot, don’t come crying to me.”

“Don’t worry, Ms. Hawthorne, I’ll hunt down her and have a good talk with her.”

Lizetta had been job hunting for two days without any luck; clearly, Remington was trying to strong–arm her into throwing in the towel and coming back.

Knowing she had hit a dead end with the usual job agencies, Lizetta decided to think outside the box and asked Yolanda to keep an eye out for other part–time gigs.

Back in the day, this girl got bullied too and vowed to become a knight in shining armor, SO that she could protect both herself and Lizetta. She’d sneak into martial arts classes whenever she could.

Turns out she was a natural, and even got into film school on a martial arts scholarship.

Now she’s a stunt double on set, and has been added to a bunch of extras and crew

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She’s a social butterfly, who knows a ton of people, so in no time, she found Lizetta three part–time jobs.

Lizetta had been so busy with the side hustles that she hadn’t visited the hospital for days, but today she brought two homemade meals with her.

She dropped off the first meal for Joseph and then headed upstairs with the second.

She had promised Hogan she’d cook for him, so she took the chance while spoiling Joseph to make Hogan a packed lunch too.

As she approached the elevator, the doors opened, and out stepped Remington and Evelina, side by side.

Not wanting to bump into them, Lizetta quickly ducked into the nearby stairwell.

“Oops!” Evelina stumbled near the stairwell.

Remington caught her in time, “Be careful.”

“These heels seem a bit slippery.”

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have someone bring you another pair.”

Remi, you don’t have to be so delicate with me, I’m not made of glass.”

The familiar voice of the man and Evelina’s honeyed tones drifted away gradually.

Lizetta leaned against the wall, with her nails scratching against it in frustration, and thought about how much Remington cared about the child in Evelina’s belly.

Remington entered Joseph’s room first, while Evelina lingered, while casting a seemingly casual glance towards the stairwell with a sly smile on her lips.

She had seen Lizetta.

It took Lizetta a moment to emerge.

She went upstairs, but Hogan was still in surgery, so she visited Thaddeus‘ room first.

Taking over from the caregiver Zora, she massaged Thaddeus‘ legs.

As Thaddeus had been in a coma for six months, his muscles became atrophied and thin. Lizetta massaged him, while recalling the last time she saw her brother before the accident.

He was excited about a big financial case he was handling. He said once it was done, he could buy a two–bedroom apartment.

“Then you’ll have a place to call home, Liz. If you’re ever unhappy with the Dashiell family, just come back. I can take care of you forever.”

He had smiled warmly while patting her head.

But the case never closed, and her brother had an accident. As she wiped his face with a towel, she teased, “Are you staying asleep just to avoid buying me that house? Listen up, my material desires only grow with age. If you don’t wake up, I won’t settle for a two–bedroom–I’ll need at least a four–bedroom flat!”

“You’re low–balling your brother, why not aim for a lakeside villa?”

Hearing a teasing voice from behind, Lizetta turned to see Hogan, which made her

slightly with a smile.

“You haven’t had dinner yet, right? I brought some food.”

blush

“How about we enjoy it in the garden downstairs? The air’s nice today,” Hogan suggested, while picking up the thermal container.

The hospital garden was lush with green grass, and the evening breeze carried the warmth of late summer and a hint of earthy fragrance.

Hogan, being gracious, ate neatly but clearly savored the meal.

Lizetta sat next to the bench, and as she was about to inquire about Thaddeus‘ overseas

treatment, an annoyed voice came from behind.

“Sister?”

Lizetta turned to see Evelina in a hospital gown.

The tall figure standing beside her was none other than Remington, with Cedric behind him holding a lady’s cashmere shawl.

The man exuded his usual chill, and his presence, being frosty and cold, seemed to bring an early autumn to the corner.

Evelina’s gaze lingered meaningfully on Lizetta and Hogan.

“Sister, you’re still so likable, and your friends are all so impressive. Who’s this?”

Lizetta’s face turned cold, “You’re still as unlikeable as ever, always talking in riddles.”