Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Chapter 164

She really needed to chug more water to flush out her system, she’s worried that the meds might mess with

her little bun in the oven.

Sorry, little one, Mama didn’t keep you safe enough.

“Stop drinking, that water’s too cold!”

Hogan noticed that she was off her game, guzzling one bottle and going for another, so he leaned over and snagged it from her.

Lizetta was drinking so fast that she started choking and coughing.

“Cough cough, I’m feeling all wobbly, must be the drugs haven’t worn off yet. Gotta speed up the detox. I mean, catching up with Dories is a long shot, but I’m gotta be prepped for that interview, right?”

She didn’t want to spill the beans about her pregnancy to Hogan, so that was her excuse.

Feeling himself at his wit’s end, Hogan pulled over and hauled a box of room–temp water from the trunk, placing it by Lizetta’s feet.

But by the time Lizetta made it to the airport, Dories‘ flight had already taken off.

“Come on, let’s head back. Shoot Anna an email, and explain a few more times, maybe there’s still a chance.”

Hogan was trying to cheer Lizetta up

As they turned to leave, Lizetta looked up, and was shocked to see Dories and Anna strolling out from a VIP lounge.

over the moon, “Professor Dories, you haven’t left! That’s

a few steps away by the bodyguard.

vibe; clearly peeved, she didn’t stop to hear Lizetta

gave a deep

so sorry for holding you up

was earnest, not

turned on

explain yourself?”

“Huh?”

minute,” Dories

heart raced as she blurted

and pale, didn’t doubt her words.

you five minutes. Are you ready?”

and she nodded like she’d just won the lottery.

I’ve got

her entourage to wait outside, she doubled back to the

jacket off Lizetta, his eyes twinkling with a

“Knock ‘em dead.”

breath

had said five minutes, but neither of them emerged after

meant

Hogan lost count of his watch checks, the door opened, and out came Lizetta, with sweat dotting

met Hogan’s gaze and her lips curled into a