Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Speak up!"

Cassius, growing impatient with Yolanda's silence, furrowed his brow.

Yolanda forced a smile, hiding the bitter sting in her heart. "Mr. Sterling, as long as you're not turning your love into hate, I'm fine with it. I couldn't handle that."

Her breezy attitude made Cassius's expression darken instantly. He grabbed Yolanda's wrist, frustrated. He wanted to ask her how she could be so indifferent after their breakup, how she could move on so quickly and start dating others.

Just as he was about to speak, there was a knock at the door.

"Mr. Sterling, the doctor has arrived. We're coming in."

Yolanda quickly scrambled off Cassius, making way as the doctor entered, carrying a medical bag.

She stepped back to the side of the couch to give the doctor room.

The doctor approached. "Lie down, please. Let me examine you..."

"No need for

was a stomach issue?" The doctor

be examined. Do

particularly mind; she'd seen it all before. If the doctor had been any later, she might have already started examining Cassius herself.

hesitated for a moment before saying,

that, she and the maid

looked even more confused. "So, what exactly is

hand dismissively. "There's no real issue. Just follow my lead when I

as Cassius explained further, his face grew even

Yolanda and the

away and pressed her ear to the door, trying to catch any sound from inside. But whether it was the soundproofing or Cassius's pride keeping him silent, she

someone gently tapped her shoulder. A voice whispered

chest and turned to find Lizetta watching her with a

Yolanda exhaled, "Shh."

actually injure Cassius, did you? A broken bone?