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.

“Professor Dories, you haven’t left! That’s just

toward them but was stopped a few

peeved, she didn’t stop

deep bow, and called out loudly.

my bad, I’m genuinely passionate about dancing and I sincerely aspire to learn from you. I’m so sorry for holding you up and for being the cause of any negative vibes

earnest, not

once–over, turned on her heel, and stepped

explain

“Huh?”

Dories said, arching an eyebrow.

raced as she blurted

seeing her barefoot and pale, didn’t

give you five minutes. Are you ready?”

was stunned again until Anna nudged her, and she nodded like she’d just won the

I’ve got this!”

outside, she doubled back to

took the jacket off Lizetta, his eyes twinkling

“Knock ‘em dead.”

deep breath and

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

that probably meant good

with sweat dotting her forehead

her