Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

“Nice one, Dr. White, you’ve got some acting chops!” Yolanda pats Hogan on the shoulder “Right back at ya.”

Lizetta looked at Hogan, puzzled, “Weren’t you off doing medical aid? What brings you here?”

“Just got back. Was worried about you girls being here, just in case, so I left the security guy my number to ring me up if there’s any trouble. Let’s get out of here.”

Hogan bent down to pick up two large luggage bags and headed downstairs first, “Don’t lift a finger; I’ll come back for the rest.”

As his tall figure descended, Yolanda nudged Lizetta with her shoulder.

“Remington’s given you a lift home before too, right? But I never saw him leave his number like that. Dr. White’s really quite a catch, uh!”

Lizetta clamped her hand over Yolanda’s mouth, “You’re quite the actress yourself. Hurry up and pack; you really want him to come back up here?!”

She grabbed two cardboard boxes, and Yolanda, knowing she didn’t want to talk about it, dropped the subject.

After they load everything into the trunk of Hogan’s car, they all hopped in, and he said, “Finding a temporary rental could be tough. I happen to have a two–bedroom place nearby that’s just sitting empty. Why don’t you check it out?”

Before Lizetta could reply, Hogan seemed to anticipate her concerns and added, “Don’t worry. I won’t let you crash for free. You’ll pay rent. It’s not good for the place to be empty anyway, and a little extra

cash never hurts. Plus, you can help me keep an eye on it – it’s a win–win.”

Lizetta felt it was not quite right, but he’d made his offer so generously, and after all, Yolanda was in this mess because of her. Finding a spot last minute was a hassle.

“That would be a great help, Hogan.”

Hogan’s place was obviously top–notch in terms of light, layout, and decor.

Lizetta, planning to study abroad in just a month or two, had thought about renting a place with Yolanda after her divorce. A two–bedroom apartment would be perfect.

As they emerged from the bedroom, Lizetta turned to Hogan, “Let’s get the rental agreement signed, Hogan.”

Hogan chuckled, “No rush. It’s almost noon after all this running around. Let’s grab some lunch. I’ll have someone prepare the contract and call you when it’s ready.” Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Then Yolanda and I will treat you to lunch.”

Hogan, knowing her straightforwardness, raised an eyebrow and agreed.

Lizetta picked out a trendy restaurant nearby. Once they were at the restaurant and had ordered, Lizetta raised her glass, “Hogan, thanks for all your help today. I’ll toast you with water instead of wine.”

Smiling, Hogan was about to respond when a soft, melodic voice cut in, “Hogan, what are you doing with these two?”

Shirley stood a few steps away, decked out in a new sparkling dress from Brand X, clutching a platinum bag, looking down her nose at them.

She glared at Lizetta, thinking, “This woman is born to be wild. She climbs into Remi’s bed and now she’s trying to snag Hogan too?”

Yolanda’s good mood vanished. She picked up her glass and said, “Haven’t seen you in ages, and you’re still stepping out without brushing your teeth? How about a free mouthwash to rinse out that stink?”

She gestured as if to throw the water at Shirley, who scrambled back, nearly tripping over in her high heels.

“It would be a waste of water to douse you,” Yolanda wore a look that read “you’re not worth it“, and casually took a sip of her water.

Shirley, red–faced with anger yet managing to hold back tears, looked to Hogan with her eyes welling up, “Hogan, they are bullying me.”

Lizetta almost broke out in goosebumps from Shirley’s suddenly whiny tone.

Hogan kept a straight face, “Ms. Shirley Dashiell, she who flirts is cheap.”

Shirley was stunned, not getting it, and Yolanda couldn’t help but laugh.

“The bimbo obviously didn’t catch that. Liz, do the honors and recite the whole thing for her.”

Prodded by Yolanda, Lizetta reluctantly began, “She who flirts is cheap. If you start trouble, you can’t blame anyone when you get hit.”

Yolanda added, “Let me translate for you. Being frivolous and impetuous degrades yourself. Better repent sooner than later, esteemed Ms. Shirley Dashiell.”

In a flash, Shirley’s face turned from red to white, and tears started to fall, “You guys are

too much!”

She turned and ran toward the door, “Remi, Eve, I’m being bullied!”

At the moment, a few more people walked in, with the most striking being a tall, handsome man accompanied by a delicate woman. It was Remington and Evelina.

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Joined at the hip, those lovebirds.