Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta had her palm pressed against her belly under the table, eyeing that photo. So that was the kind of smile she had on her face just a moment ago.

Warm and yearning. Yeah, as the days rolled by, she found herself becoming more and more attached.

Aside from Thaddeus, this kid was her only flesh and blood left in the world. And hey, this was her and Remington’s child.

“We gotta figure out a way to get a prenatal checkup at the hospital.”

Yolanda was really stepping up like a worried dad, but Lizetta frowned and shook her head. She didn’t dare go. If she did, she feared that with the Dashiell family’s clout in Zion City, it wouldn’t stay hidden from Remington.

She still wanted to divorce Remington and skip the country ASAP, without any more complications.

Once abroad, it would be easy–peasy when the baby was born. Even if the Dashiell family caught wind of it, by then Remington would probably have tied the knot with Evelina and had their own kiddo, and wouldn’t give two hoots about her baby. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Her phone vibrated on the table. Lizetta glanced at it – Shirley was calling. Lizetta declined without a second thought, and just as she put the phone. down, it rang again.

Yolanda grumbled, “What a pain in the neck, she’s not gonna rest until we run after her with scissors, is she?”

“Ignore her. Aren’t you a sucker for pork? Give it a try.”

Lizetta silenced her phone and set it aside. But peace was short–lived. The screen lit up once again; this time with a call from Hanna.

“Don’t pick up, it’s your mother–in–law, and it can’t be good news,” Yolanda pursed her lips.

Lizetta thought it over but decided to answer, sensing trouble brewing. And from what she knew about Hanna, dodging her call now would just mean

14.09

more hassle later.

“Lizetta, are you at the mall? Get down to the jewelry section on the first floor and sort things out. I’ll be there shortly!”

Hanna’s voice was stern, and she hung up before Lizetta could get a word in. Confused, Lizetta settled the bill with Yolanda and they headed downstairs.

The jewelry area was packed like sardines, especially around the jade

counter.

Yolanda plowed ahead, making way for Lizetta to follow. Before she could get a clear view, Lizetta caught a familiar wailing.

“Joseph, let me go!” It was Evelina.

“Holy smokes! Why’s it sound like a pig slaughter in the mall!”

Yolanda broke through to the front and gasped at the scene. Lizetta saw it too. Inside the jade counter, Joseph had two bodyguards pinning Evelina down, hammer in hand, ready to smash her wrist.

Evelina, her arms forced onto a small table, was panic–stricken, tears streaming down her face. She screamed at the bodyguards, “Let go! I’ll call the cops if you don’t. They won’t touch Joseph, but you won’t get away with it in front of all these people!”

The bodyguards hesitated, while Joseph, with one foot on a stool, looked every bit the thug kingpin junior.

“Whose side are you on, the Dashiell family or hers? Hold her tight, or I will have you pack your bags and hit the road!”

He waved the hammer and warned Evelina again. “That bracelet belongs to my Liz; you think you’re worthy? Just keep them paws still, and I won’t hit you! But if you squirm, and I cripple you, don’t blame anyone but yourself!”

As Joseph raised the hammer again, Evelina turned ghostly pale, screaming for help, “Shirley! Shirley, save me!”

Shirley stepped forward to grab the hammer from Joseph, scolding furiously.

“Joseph, let her go! Did you hear me?”

14:09

“Shirley, back off, or I’ll smash you too! You’re not the sharpest tool in the

shed to begin with; one hit from me and you’ll be a total idiot in the Dashiell family’s pocket!”

Shirley was livid. She was all delicate and ladylike, no match for a

rambunctious brat, hopping mad.

When she turned, she spotted Lizetta, who had just made her way through the crowd, and her rage boiled over. She let go of Joseph and charged at Lizetta, “Lizetta! This has got to be your doing! Joseph listens to you the most; make him let Evelina go!”

“Ah! My hand, my hand is broken!”

Shirley hadn’t even grabbed Lizetta when Evelina let out a blood–curdling scream. Joseph had brought down the hammer!

And at that moment, Cedric’s voice rang out from behind the crowd, “Clear the area; no photos allowed!”