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.

asking him

was the epitome of a gentleman. He was probably already

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

met hers, he looked as if

the blink of an eye, the Bentley

disbelief. She turned to watch the Bentley disappear down the road, and after a moment, she

a car horn

blocking the road, Lizetta stepped back

honked didn't drive past. Instead, she heard the slam of

glanced up from her phone,

tall, imposing figure strode around the front of the car with long, confident strides,

man had already loosened

his black

the top.

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

her face pale and her eyes wide

question. He reached out and effortlessly took the cumbersome teddy bear from

her arms free,