Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Yolanda found herself in the kitchen as expected, where the housekeeper, Zora, was bustling about.

Before she could say a word, Zora turned around, her face lighting up with a warm smile. "Oh, Ms. Yolanda, you're awake! Feeling hungry, I bet? Master Cassius mentioned you might be, given the rough night you had. He asked me to prepare some light oatmeal and desserts, just in case your stomach's still upset from before."

The rich aroma of food filled the air, and Yolanda paused, taken aback. "Cassius really said that?" she asked, skepticism in her voice.

Zora nodded earnestly. "Oh, absolutely! He was quite worried about you. You even got sick on him in the car, and for someone as particular as him, well, that's saying something. He carried you to your room himself, took care of everything without letting anyone else, not even me, help. It's the first time I've seen him like this, bringing a lady home and all..."

Yolanda was momentarily stunned. Had she really thrown up on Cassius? And he took care of her?

A small part of her was touched, but she quickly brushed it aside. Cassius must

he's playing the doting caregiver? Maybe he was just acting; after

she had no interest in playing along. Yolanda shook her head, cutting off Zora's chatter. "Your Mr. Sterling suddenly isn't feeling well. Do you

right away!" She wiped her hands on her apron,

knew

Zora's voice following her. "Could it be from jumping into the pool to save you earlier? From three floors up, no less... Oh dear, oh

do you mean, jumping from three floors?" All she remembered was having a drink and blacking out. None of this

Yolanda had intended to ask her

as she had left him. She approached cautiously. "The housekeeper called for a doctor.

eyes,

filled with hurt

"Do you want some water? I can get you a glass," Yolanda offered, noticing he