Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz pushed Hogan away forcefully, covering her ears and stepping back.

"Shut up! Please, just stop talking, I'm begging you!"Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

Seeing her lose control, Hogan's brow furrowed, a shadow passing behind his glasses. He leaned in, gently patting Liz's quivering shoulders to soothe her.

"Alright, I'll stop. But Liz, you have to face reality. I know my words are harsh, but it's all for your own good. My friend, who's studying psychology, might still be at the hospital. I'll call her over for a chat; she can help ease your pain and get you through this, okay?"

Liz, her face slick with sweat and heart in turmoil as if being scorched in a furnace, nodded instinctively at the mention of a psychologist offering relief.

Hogan made a call, and his friend arrived promptly.

She approached the bed with a friendly gesture, extending her hand to Liz with a smile.

"Ms. Gardenia, I'm Daphne. Actually, we've met before. You were unconscious, and I had the chance to review your condition. I even made some suggestions to Mr. Dashiell. Thankfully, he took my advice, which helped you wake up."

Liz hadn't realized a psychologist had been consulted during her unconscious state. Hearing it was Daphne who convinced Remington to let go, she felt a newfound trust.

"Thank you, Dr. Daphne. Please, have a seat," Liz said, taking Daphne's hand.

"Don't mention it. Just call me Daphne. Oh, isn't this the wedding favor I gave Hogan?"

Daphne sat down, idly playing with the wedding favor on the bedside table.

Liz's gaze inadvertently followed Daphne's fingers.

Daphne's casual fiddling seemed almost patterned, sending Liz into a slight daze.

Catching Liz's reaction, Daphne smiled and turned to Hogan. "Lending my wedding favor to Ms. Gardenia, Hogan? How about I have a word with Liz alone?"

Hogan nodded with a smile, glanced at Liz, who seemed unresponsive, and left the room.

As he entered the elevator, his phone rang.

Checking the caller ID, Hogan frowned slightly and answered. After a brief conversation, he spoke sharply.

"Don't come up. I'm on my way down."

Ending the call, Hogan pressed for the underground parking.

Stepping out, he scanned the area and spotted a woman. He walked towards her.

"Dr. White, I-"

The woman brightened up at his approach and hurried forward.

"What brought you here?" Hogan cut her off sternly.

The woman looked up, about to speak, but Hogan grabbed her arm.

"Let's talk in the car. I'll drive you home."

Her cheeks flushed as she glanced

at her arm in his grip, og l.net

following him to the parking lot on the east side.

As Hogan away,

neared the woman walked expression cold and detaie het

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car observing them,

Remington's gaze was icy as he withdrew his attention, commanding sternly.

"Drive!"

Ray, in the driver's seat, took a couple of photos with his phone aimed in Hogan's direction.

Urged by Remington, Ray put away his phone, turning to him.

"Mr. Dashiell, Hogan was just playing the devoted visitor to your wife, and now he's sneaking around the. parking lot with another woman. Doesn't look good, does it? Could be playing both sides."