Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta clutched her purse and took a few steps towards the exit, but then something clicked in her mind. She spun around and headed back into the restaurant's main hall.

Five minutes later, she emerged onto the street, hugging a gigantic teddy bear.

What a mess.

She had arrived in Yolanda's car, but now Yolanda had vanished along with her purse and car keys.

Lizetta needed a ride, so she pulled out her phone to open a ride-hailing app.

It was rush hour, and more than thirty people were ahead of her in line.

Just as she contemplated calling the family driver, a Bentley rolled up slowly.

Behind the wheel was none other than Shawn.

Lizetta's eyes lit up. She and Shawn were acquainted.

Even though today's matchmaking between Shawn and Yolanda hadn't panned out, Lizetta still thought highly of him. Maybe she could set them up again next time.

with Jerome Madden, so asking him for a ride wasn't too

was the epitome of a gentleman. He was probably already coming over to

that thought, Lizetta smiled, clutching the bear, and stepped off the curb to

her surprise, as soon as Shawn's eyes met hers, he

away, and in the blink of an eye, the Bentley roared past Lizetta, leaving her in a cloud of exhaust

disappear down the road, and after

then, a car horn blared

stepped back onto the sidewalk,

past. Instead,

glanced up from her

tall, imposing figure strode around the front of the car with

man had already loosened

his black shirt

at the top.

filtered through the leaves, dancing across his sharp features, giving him a rugged yet commanding

asked, a bit startled, her face pale and her

unnecessary question. He reached out and effortlessly took

free,