Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Chapter 104

Sure, she knew them, but they didn’t know her from a can of paint.

When Lizetta thought about Remington splashing out big bucks for Evelina’s music, she

didn’t feel it strange.

“Probably, yeah.”

“Pfft, with Evelina’s violin skills, trying to hit it big in the art scene is a dead end. No wonder she’s shelling out for tunes. She’s got her sights set on using her violinist gig as a stepping stone before diving headfirst into showbiz.”

Yolanda clicked her tongue, clearly unimpressed.

Lizetta kept mum. Remington was laying down the red carpet for Evelina, spoon–feeding her opportunities, even stooping to wine and dine with her. Talked about bending over backward.

Just thinking about Evelina’s Facebook post about changing the dressing made Lizetta wanna hurl.

When Remington’s gaze floated over, Lizetta quickly looked down, scalded the curry with hot water, and placed them in front of Yolanda and Hogan.

“Remi! Are you just gonna stand there and watch them pick on me?” Shirley whined for ages, but Remington didn’t even bat an eyelid, which really ticked her off.

Remington’s eyes were still on Lizetta, noticing how her smile vanished into thin air the moment she saw him, and how she fussed over some other dude.

The man’s handsome face turned a shade darker as he withdrew his gaze.

“What do you mean, ‘picking on you“?”

“I went over to say ‘hi‘ to Hogan and Lizetta, all excited, and her friend comes at me with water to throw in my face! Lizetta doesn’t even take my side and starts mocking me, saying I’m cheap.”

Shirley made up a sob story, looking all wronged.

Lizetta stood up and strutted over, chin up, her gaze at Remington dripping with sarcasm, “Remington, why are you hanging out with these two?”

Evelina’s eyes welled up, “Sis, are you mad?”

“Not at all,” Lizetta said, the picture of innocence.

“Then why’d you talk to Remington like that? You must’ve gotten it wrong.”

Shirley felt like she’d heard Lizetta’s words before. Realizing what was happening, she quickly tugged at Evelina.

Evelina turned, seeing Shirley looking all panicky. She was confused, but Shirley was mentally cursing her for being such a lousy wingman today.

Lizetta smirked, “You got it wrong. I was just saying ‘hi‘ to you guys, exactly like Ms. Shirley Dashiell did just now!

Evelina was mortified, and Shirley was on the verge of actual tears.

Remington cast a cold glance at her, “You call that a happy greeting?”

Shirley felt embarrassed and wronged. Evelina opened her mouth to defend her, but she was the one who had just accused Lizetta of having an attitude.

“Apologize!” Remington commanded Shirley coldly.

1/3

04:14

103

lip, stubborn as ever. Lizetta scoffed and waved it off, “Forget it, it’s more than

but

his voice calm but

up, eyes red,

to whom?” Remington’s patience

fall; this time her apology seemed a lot more genuine, at least on the surface.

I’m sorry for disturbing your meal.”

nodded coolly and struggled to signal Remington to let go. Remington looked at Yolanda and Hogan, “Since we’ve bumped

room.”

pulled her hand away, “No need, we’ve already ordered.”

the private room; come on sis, it’s been ages since we had a meal

who dodged with a

her lip, “Sis, are you still

her arm around Lizetta’s shoulders, “Ms. Hawthorne, you always have so much on your mind.

lingered on Hogan for a moment before leading

Yolanda gave her a

not bad either; you nailed

“Shrew Shirley?”

woman who always stay with nostrils in the air,

to Hogan, “Hogan, you

said, “Met a few times, not

a huge crush on you, Dr. White,” Yolanda teased, her eyes

already got someone I have a crush on, and it’s not

2/3

04.145

Ms. Shirley Dashiell.”

tender look behind his glasses and paused, her mind

had got her nose in the air, and Hogan was clearly from a notable family. But Lizetta hadn’t heard Hogan talk about it, nor had she seen him in the usual circles; she always thought Hogan was just a

folks she was with are big names in the industry,” Yolanda mentioned, as she was from a film academy and, though she hadn’t landed

way around

1

brought the dishes, and Yolanda, not wanting to make Lizetta feel awkward, dropped the subject.

table, Hogan’s phone buzzed. Picking up, he frowned

“What’s up, Hogan?”

an emergency. I need to dash back for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. Sorry, afraid I can’t give you a ride

stood up, and Lizetta quickly waved him

made a

is no cakewalk. Can’t even enjoy a good meal.”

was about to dig in when she realized she was about to chow down on some sliced beef. Her utensil quivered,

help but snicker at her startled reaction.

out and

suit stood at the window, the midday sun dancing across his sharp brow, not softening his aura

Remington, a man green with

the call from the hospital, he knew this wasn’t just

04:141

was all over