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.

Dories, you haven’t left! That’s

was stopped a few steps

off a frosty vibe; clearly peeved,

a deep bow, and

Dories, my bad, I’m genuinely passionate about dancing and I sincerely aspire to learn from you. I’m so sorry for

not just spewing excuses.

a once–over, turned on her heel, and stepped

explain yourself?”

“Huh?”

Dories said,

raced as she blurted out the whole

barefoot and pale, didn’t doubt

five minutes. Are

and she nodded like she’d just won

I’ve got this!”

to wait outside, she doubled back to the

and took the jacket off Lizetta, his eyes twinkling with a

“Knock ‘em dead.”

deep breath and

outside; Dories had said five minutes, but neither of them emerged after nearly twenty had

meant good news.

checks, the door opened, and out came Lizetta, with sweat dotting her forehead and her hair getting damp, but her eyes

gaze and her