Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Chapter 30

The helmet took a knock on the front of the bike, and the young guy was totally thrown for

loop by this curve–ball.

Lizetta let go, and the dude yanked off his helmet, revealing a head of grandma–gray curls and features so fine that they were almost criminal.

You’re really gonna screw me over without even giving me a chance to catch my breath, huh?”

Lizetta was already a few meters away, but the kid, not having it, shouted even louder.

“Hey, I bet we’ll meet again. If fate’s kind, hit me up on WhatsApp!”

Lizetta, not even turning around, gave a casual wave and said, “Thanks.”

Figuring she was on board, the kid had his brows lifted, and his eyes were full of mischief. After watching Lizetta disappear, he put his helmet back on, snapped down his visor, and zoomed off against the wind.

When Lizetta walked in, Yolanda was making instant noodles. Lizetta sniffed and asked, “Got any more?”

Yolanda grabbed another cup from the kitchen. By the time the noodles were ready, Lizetta had changed into her home clothes

The two sat cross–legged on the carpet around a tiny table in the small living room, which was barely ten square meters.

Yolanda also grabbed a couple of beers, popped one open with one hand like a boss, and handed it to Lizetta

Spill the beans.”

so she normally wouldn’t

clinked her can with Yolanda’s, took a big gulp of the cold beer, and felt

slapped her. That dirt–bag Remington got me canned

Yolanda’s emotions on a roller coaster, who squeezed her beer can

Passing up a feast for a taste of Evelina’s stale leftovers? Hold on, Liz,

noodles as

Pretty damn sure.”

family heirloom bracelet. Remington gave

for Lizetta to

of a man gets what’s coming to him–plagues, a pile of kids, and nobody to call

livid, genuinely

knocks, but no one thought about how Lizetta, being

plenty of fish in the sea, and Evelina knew damn well that Remington was Lizetta’s only lifeline, yet she went after him hammer and

no good,

shadow Evelina cast over Lizetta’s heart. If he had to cheat, Yolanda wouldn’t have been so cut up about it if he’d chosen

so pissed that she felt like grabbing a kitchen knife,

best. A wake–up call that stings might make me snap out of it faster,”

tingled, Yolanda wrapped her arms around Lizetta’s shoulders, and

up, the noodles are getting cold.”

as the scent of the seafood flavor wafted

don’t tell me