Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Even in the upscale neighborhoods where the wealthy reside, it's rare to see any commotion. But today was different. Liz had already called her friend Yolanda, and as she stepped out of her mansion, she immediately spotted Yolanda pushing her way to the front of the crowd behind the police tape.

Liz hurried over, and by the time Ray had pulled up in his car, she was already sitting shotgun in Yolanda's ride. Ray had no choice but to follow behind.

"Looks like we can't shake off this tail," Yolanda remarked with a smirk, glancing at the car trailing us through her rearview mirror.

If it weren't for Liz being pregnant, Yolanda would've been tempted to put her foot down and see if Ray could keep up. But with Liz's condition, that was off the table.

"Let him be," Liz said, her voice detached. She had filled Yolanda in on everything that had happened last night over the phone.

Yolanda peered at Liz, concern creasing her brow. "What's up? The cops taking their sweet time with something? I was hoping to catch the show of that witch being hauled away."NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

"Luna's dead," Liz dropped the bombshell.

Yolanda slammed on the brakes. "What? Dead?"

"Yeah, she went to change her clothes, ended up injecting herself with something, and even left a note."

Yolanda took a moment to process this, then slammed her hand against the steering wheel. "Serves her right! But seriously, were those cops just there for decoration? They let her off too easy!" Liz couldn't help but chuckle at Yolanda's outburst.

"What's so funny?" Yolanda glanced at her friend.

"Nothing, it's just... I feel better hearing you say that," Liz admitted.

She had been feeling guilty, wondering if she was being too heartless. But suicide as a way to dodge punishment didn't sit right with her. Luna had brought her fate upon herself.

"So, Stella had nothing to do with it?" Yolanda asked as she resumed driving.

Liz pursed her lips. "Who knows? Luna was adamant it was all her doing. And now with her gone, that's probably where it'll stay."

Yolanda hoped for Stella's sake she was innocent because living with that kind of guilt would be a nightmare.

Changing the subject, Yolanda

brightened. "Let's drop this grim talk. I booked us a cool spot at Lakeside Cafe to celebrate your newfound freedom. Let's make it a night to remember!"

Soon, they arrived at the cafe. Yolanda held the door for Liz, who was greeted with a burst of confetti as she entered.

"Surprise!" The room was decked out with balloons and flowers, with a flashy sign proclaiming "Liz's Fab Divorce Bash!"

Among the familiar faces were Hogan and Hamilton Madden, ready with more confetti.

Liz shot Yolanda a bewildered look.

"What's going on?" they silently communicated.

Yolanda winked and gestured for Ray to stay back, then slowly closed the door behind them, kicking off what promised to be an

Ove

unforgettable celebration.