Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta handed Remington's phone to the nurse at the desk, asking her to deliver it to Remington before turning to leave. The nurse, true to her word, immediately took the phone to him.

Barbara had been rushed into surgery, and Remington was pacing anxiously alongside Martin in the waiting area. Seeing the nurse with his phone, he had his brow furrowed in irritation as he took it and asked, "Who brought this?"

"She left it with me and then took off," the nurse replied.

Clutching the phone, Remington told Martin, "I'll be right back."

Without waiting for a response, he strode towards the elevator.

But by the time he got to the lobby, there was no sign of Lizetta. He quickly dialed her number.

After a few rings, she answered.

Remington, now in the elevator, asked in a deep, worried tone, "Where are you?"

Lizetta was on her way out of the hospital; her voice was calm as she replied, "I'm beat. Caught a cab home. I know you're busy; just carry on." Remington could detect the chill in her tone.

felt his heart squeezed. He knew she

on the phone tightened, and he barely managed

he could figure out the right words to explain, Lizetta cut him off. "My ride's here. Gotta

breath hitched, "Alright, just text me when you

will do," she said before hanging

didn't actually board any cab. She sat

had lied to Remington, because she hadn't

to hear his explanations; they

them, she

all about making Barbara feel at ease

Stella that he had played along with Barbara's demands,

Lizetta wanted to hear. She yearned for a husband who would stand by

she had been sitting on the bench until her phone

her expression changed

that the

hailed a cab and headed to the

off to in such a