Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta kept it simple and classy, rocking a plain white tee and jeans without showing an inch of skin. Yet somehow, her no–frills getup took on a whole new vibe on her, making her look effortlessly chic.

Flashes of her frolicking in the water just moments ago crossed his mind – her glorious, golden mermaid tail, her skin as smooth and flawless as frosted snow, and her posture gliding through the water with grace, like a legit deep–sea mermaid princess – it was alluring, innocent, and seductive all at once.

You’d never guess the knockout figure hidden beneath that oversized white tee if you hadn’t seen it with your own eyes. And let’s not forget the supple and lively feel of those legs, usually wrapped up in a fish tail, tumbling through the water, which must feel absolutely mind–blowing wrapped around a man’s waist.

“Back off!”

Lizetta’s expression turned icy as the guy ogled her a bit too obviously.

The manager frowned, “How can you talk to Mr. March like that.”

Daniel March just smiled as he stepped aside, all charm and grace; he even gave the manager a reassuring wave to show he didn’t mind.

As Lizetta walked away, Daniel watched her until she was out of sight, savoring the moment before turning back and patting the manager on the shoulder.

“That’s the spice I’m talking about. It’s only tasty if it’s got a kick. Send me her part–time schedule here.”

Stepping out of the mermaid–themed restaurant, Lizetta could still feel that creepy, clingy vibe on her back like she was being watched.

Feeling annoyed and fed up, she figured her days working this gig were numbered.

But when it rains, it pours. Right on cue, her phone rings – it’s Jolin.

Picking up, Lizetta is hit with Jolin’s piercing cries.

“Where the hell have you been, you good–for–nothing? Your brother and I are about to get kicked out of the hospital. If you don’t show up, we might as well drop dead together!”

Rushing to hail a cab, Lizetta also called Yolanda.

Yolanda, hearing about the trouble with Thaddeus, soothed Lizetta and headed to the hospital herself.

They bumped into each other right outside. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

The scene outside Thaddeus‘ room was a hot mess, with Jolin tussling with a couple of nurses.

Upon seeing Lizetta, Jolin made a beeline for her and grabbed her arm.

“Liz, why the heck are they throwing us out? Doesn’t the Dashiell Group own this hospital? I’m telling you, I’m the mother–in–law of your honorary chairman!”

She snapped at the nurses and then pushed Lizetta, “What are you zoning out for? Call Remington, now!”

Jolin’s voice was loud, drawing weird looks from everyone; people were probably wondering which rock this Mrs. Dashiell crawled out from under.

Embarrassed, Lizetta stood there as Yolanda stepped in to pull Jolin away.

“What kind of mother are you? Other than hitting up Liz and the Dashiell family for money, what have you ever done? For the past year, Liz has been the one taking care of Thaddeus while he’s bedridden. How many times have you shown up? Don’t you feel any shame?!”

Jolin staggered back from the force of Yolanda’s words and turned on her with a finger pointed.

14:16

“What’s it to you how I talk to my daughter?!”

“Do you even consider Liz your daughter? Where were you when Hans hit her?

Where were you when she was starving, searching through trash cans for food in her bare feet? Now after she’s taken in by the Dashiell family, you suddenly want to see your daughter every month and have the cheek to show up for cash. You let everyone label her a leech, and how dare you call yourself her mother! Do you only remember you have a daughter every time when there’s trouble?”

Yolanda was shaking with anger, recalling the first time she met Lizetta.

The poor girl went from rich kid to nobody’s problem, burning her hand while boiling water, with nothing to eat at home, and Jolin nowhere in sight.

Kicked out by a drunken Hans in the dead of winter, she was scavenging through the neighborhood trash bins in just her thin clothes.

When Yolanda found her, Lizetta looked like a drenched Persian cat, with her expensive fur all soaked; she scared and helpless.

was

Yolanda couldn’t understand it. Jolin wasn’t Mother of the Year, but she used to fight with Evelina and Hans.

Was it because Lizetta was only brought home at six that there were no feelings, completely disregarding her own flesh and blood?

Jolin, confronted by Yolanda, turned a sickly shade of green; her face was a mix of awkwardness and embarrassment as she looked at Lizetta.

“Liz, I’m just so worried about your brother, and you must be too. Please, ask Remington what’s going on.”

Thaddeus‘ life depends on the hospital equipment, and Lizetta has plans to send her brother abroad for treatment. She can’t let anything happen to him now, not when there’s hope on the horizon.

She thought of reaching out to Hogan to smooth things over, but the nurses told her he’s off on a medical aid mission for about half a month.

Remembering Remington mentioning replacing her senior brother, Lizetta had her suspicions grow that he’s behind all this.

Taking out her phone, she dialed Remington; her fingertips were icy.

Remington knew he’s the only blood relative she cares about, yet he dares to use her brother’s life to manipulate

her.

Is he trying to force her back?

Or is this payback for Evelina?