Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Jerome greeted Ms. Yolanda with a warm smile as he took the bag from her hands, nodding in appreciation.

"Thanks for your effort, Ms. Yolanda."

His words seemed to suggest an intimacy with Lizetta that wasn't there before. Yolanda internally rolled her eyes but responded with a smile and a nod, choosing not to add anything more.

Then, Jerome turned to Lizetta, "Make sure you get some rest."

"Will do."

Hogan chimed in, "Liz, I'll swing by tomorrow when I'm free to check on you."

Without waiting for Lizetta to respond, he looked over at Jerome and gestured with his hand.

"Mr. Madden, let me walk you out. I know my way around the hospital pretty well. I haven't taken any days off recently, so I've been here every day. I'm quite familiar with the maternity ward, so you can rest assured that Liz is in good hands. As her senior colleague, I'll make sure she's taken care of. You're a busy man, Mr. Madden; no need to come by all the time..."

then

it, returned to Lizetta's bedside and couldn't help but chuckle at the visibly relaxed demeanor

juggling admirers isn't as fun as it sounds,

out an exasperated laugh and reached out to

out, and you just ignored them.

friend's request, Yolanda moved

I think you'd be better off going back with Mrs. Bernice Madden. At least then you wouldn't be caught in a crossfire. Between Mr. Madden and Dr. White, I still

heir to the Madden estate, so the likelihood of facing a terrible mother-in-lawdike

The White family might not be as prestigious

the White

family

proposal, Hogan was

to consult Lizetta before showing up, leaving no foom for rejection. Perhaps Helen thought Lizetta marrying Hogan, even in his condition, was a step up Now that

Lizetta did marry into that family, she might end up

She was still healing from her wounds, far from ready to entertain such thoughts. Thankfully, the hospital's strict policies and the reminders from the nurses kept