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.

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Lizetta scoffed and waved it off, “Forget it, it’s more than you

but Remington grabbed her

he said, his voice calm but clearly

looked up, eyes red, “I’m

whom?” Remington’s patience was wearing

this time her apology seemed

for disturbing your meal.”

at Yolanda and

room.”

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

can bring the dishes to the private room; come on sis, it’s been ages since we had a meal together

arms with Lizetta, who dodged with a raised hand, fed up,

lip, “Sis, are you still

“Ms. Hawthorne, you always have so much on your mind. I get social anxiety, I get indigestion around strangers, and of course,

with Lizetta, while Remington’s gaze lingered on Hogan for a moment before leading

Yolanda gave her a thumbs

bad either; you nailed that Shrew Shirley!”

“Shrew Shirley?”

in the air, stinking to high heaven, and is practically a

turned to Hogan, “Hogan,

“Met a few times, not

you, Dr.

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

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04.145

Ms. Shirley Dashiell.”

overly tender look behind

and Hogan was clearly from a notable family. But Lizetta hadn’t heard Hogan talk about

was with are big names in the industry,” Yolanda mentioned, as she was from a film academy

way around

1

Yolanda, not wanting to make Lizetta feel awkward, dropped

no sooner than the food hit the table, Hogan’s phone buzzed.

“What’s up, Hogan?”

I need to dash back for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt

stood up, and Lizetta quickly waved him

and made a beeline for the

a doc is no cakewalk. Can’t even enjoy a good

to chow down on some sliced beef. Her utensil quivered, and the beef plunged back into her

snicker at her startled

Hogan stepped out and

stood at the window, the midday sun dancing across his sharp brow, not softening his aura of aloof solitude one bit.

man green with

the call from the hospital, he

04:141

hand was all over