Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

The helmet took a knock on the front of the bike, and the young guy was totally thrown for

loop by this curve–ball.

Lizetta let go, and the dude yanked off his helmet, revealing a head of grandma–gray curls and features so fine that they were almost criminal.

You’re really gonna screw me over without even giving me a chance to catch my breath, huh?”

Lizetta was already a few meters away, but the kid, not having it, shouted even louder.

“Hey, I bet we’ll meet again. If fate’s kind, hit me up on WhatsApp!”

Lizetta, not even turning around, gave a casual wave and said, “Thanks.”

Figuring she was on board, the kid had his brows lifted, and his eyes were full of mischief. After watching Lizetta disappear, he put his helmet back on, snapped down his visor, and zoomed off against the wind.

When Lizetta walked in, Yolanda was making instant noodles. Lizetta sniffed and asked, “Got any more?”

Yolanda grabbed another cup from the kitchen. By the time the noodles were ready, Lizetta had changed into her home clothes

The two sat cross–legged on the carpet around a tiny table in the small living room, which was barely ten square meters.

Yolanda also grabbed a couple of beers, popped one open with one hand like a boss, and handed it to Lizetta Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

“Feeling crappy? Spill the beans.”

Lizetta was all about maintaining her figure and skin for dancing, so she normally wouldn’t touch this junk food with a ten–foot pole.

She clinked her can with Yolanda’s, took a big gulp of the cold beer, and felt some of the gloom wash away.

“Evelina’s pregnant, and I slapped her. That dirt–bag Remington got me canned from my training gig.”

Lizetta’s words had Yolanda’s emotions on a roller coaster, who squeezed her beer can until it creaked.

“Is Remington out of his mind? Passing up a feast for a taste of Evelina’s stale leftovers? Hold on, Liz, are you sure Evelina’s kid is Remington’s?”

Lizetta barely tasted the noodles as she nodded in confirmation.

Pretty damn sure.”

That’s what Evelina had said, and she was already sporting the Dashiell family heirloom bracelet. Remington gave a rat’s ass about Evelina and the kid and never denied a thing.

What was there left for Lizetta to hope for?

Dump his ass, and fast! I hope that dog of a man gets what’s coming to him–plagues, a pile of kids, and nobody to call his own!”

Yolanda was livid, genuinely feeling for Lizetta.

The whole switched–at–birth drama had everyone pitying Evelina for her hard knocks, but no one thought about how Lizetta, being innocent and clueless, had her world turned upside down overnight.

There were plenty of fish in the sea, and Evelina knew damn well that Remington was Lizetta’s only lifeline, yet she went after him hammer and tongs.

That woman was up to no good, aiming to snatch everything from Lizetta.

And Remington, too–he knew the size of the shadow Evelina cast over Lizetta’s heart. If he had to cheat, Yolanda wouldn’t have been so cut up about it if he’d chosen anyone else.

She was so pissed that she felt like grabbing a kitchen knife, but Lizetta just laughed and leaned in for a hug.

“It’s probably for the best. A wake–up call that stings might make me snap out of it faster,”

Feeling her nose tingled, Yolanda wrapped her arms around Lizetta’s shoulders, and Lizetta smiled.

“Eat up, the noodles are getting cold.”

She lowered her head to pick at the noodles; as the scent of the seafood flavor wafted up, Lizetta suddenly gagged.

Yolanda’s face fell, “Liz, don’t tell me you’re pregnant.”

Lizetta froze, clutching the utensils tightly.

Last time Remington had told her to take a pregnancy test, Lizetta, being stubborn, didn’t bother and just sprinkled some water on it instead.

Her periods were irregular, and she’d been feeling sick these past few days–so she had her doubts deep down there.

She remembered how she clung to him and he lost control the night before Remington’s business trip. The next morning, she’d stayed in bed until noon.

Could they have gone too hard and not noticed a broken condom?

Lizetta’s face drained of color as she set down her utensils and looked at Yolanda.

Half an hour later, Yolanda sneaked back in, disguised with a wig from her live streaming. kit and heavy makeup.

She ripped off the wig, “I was incognito, no way I was spotted. Now go take the test. If that jerk got two women pregnant at the same time, he’s really doggone!”

Lizetta took the pregnancy test from her, and nervously headed to the bathroom.

As the first red line appeared on the pregnancy test, Lizetta held her breath.

Yolanda anxiously pushed open the door, “What’s the verdict?”