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.

was over the moon, “Professor Dories, you

was stopped a few steps away

vibe; clearly peeved,

back, gave a deep bow,

I sincerely aspire to learn from you. I’m so sorry for holding you up and for being

was earnest, not just spewing excuses.

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

explain

“Huh?”

one minute,” Dories said, arching

she blurted out the whole story.

and pale, didn’t

you five minutes. Are you ready?”

until Anna nudged her, and she

I’ve got

outside,

and took the jacket off Lizetta, his eyes twinkling with

“Knock ‘em dead.”

deep breath and followed

minutes, but neither of them emerged after

probably meant good

with sweat dotting her

and her lips curled into a smile.