Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

“I have no interest in taking her stuff! But since I’m here, when I leave is up to me. My husband’s still outside. If Mrs. Hawthorne doesn’t want me to–storm out right now, grab my man, and make a scene, you better stop breathing down my neck.”

If Lizetta were to step out now and announce her relationship with Remington, Evelina would be the laughingstock.

Elara was displeased but she refrained from acting for fear of affecting others. “Considering the Hawthorne family put a roof over your head for six years, do me a solid and don’t stir the pot today, I’m asking you as your aunt.”

Lizetta kept her lips sealed, and Elara beat feet out of there.

Lizetta snickered and headed into the cubicle.

When she returned to the venue, all the lights were on.

The Evelina family was at the center of it all, with Remington naturally by their side. They were standing together, looking like one big happy family.

Many people there already considered Remington the future son–in–law of the Hawthorne family.

“Remi, I’m a bit tired from all the dancing. Could you help me upstairs for a rest?”

Evelina looked up at the man before her.

He was so tall and handsome, so powerful and magnetic, standing by her side, making everyone else green with envy.

Evelina felt like she was the happiest princess tonight.

Without thinking. Evelina reached out to loop her arm through Remington’s, but the man turned away to take a glass of champagne from a tray held by a server nearby.

Evelina’s pupils constricted and her nails dug into her palms.

12-13

She thought Lizetta, after seeing her waltz with Remington, must have left heartbroken.

But no, Lizetta was still around, and not just that.

Lizetta’s previously outdated dress with a ruffle neckline had its collar and lace at the hem torn away by her.

Now, in an off–the–shoulder number that showed off an attractive collarbone and a skirt that stopped at the knees, she had put her drop–dead gorgeous. legs on full display with an asymmetrical hemline.

She walked in, looking like a whole new person.

Her beauty made people unconsciously clear a path for her, her aura of beauty silenced the room, and all eyes turned to her, unconsciously drawn in.

Evelina was seething, quickly turning to see if the man next to her had noticed–and sure enough, Remington couldn’t peel his eyes off Lizetta.

Damn Lizetta!

Evelina regretted inviting her now.

But there Lizetta was, right in front of them.

Remington’s eyes swept over her daring dress and he frowned slightly. “What are you doing here?”

He didn’t know she was coming tonight.

But Lizetta figured Remington thought she was cramping Evelina’s style and her chest tightened, yet she managed a smile.

“Don’t worry, I know I’m not welcome. I won’t stick around; I’ll just drop off my gift and leave.”

Then she turned to Evelina, “Evelina, this is my homecoming gift to you, hope you like it.”

Standing there, Lizetta towered over Evelina, who was less than 5.5 feet and pregnant in flat shoes, making her legs look even shorter and her proportions. Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

out of whack.

While Lizetta, in flat shoes herself, had a pair of stunningly long legs, a dancer’s posture and excellent bearing, and on top of that, a beauty that could eclipse everyone at the event.

Her altered dress might not fit like a glove but it was enough to make Evelina look like mere dust in comparison, like a maid.

Lizetta stuffed something into the hands of the displeased–looking Evelina. It was a piece of fabric, extra material torn from Lizetta’s dress, casually tied up by Lizetta and mockingly thrust into Evelina’s hands.

Without lingering, Lizetta turned and walked away, Evelina was so angry, barely managing a smile as she said.

“Mom, Dad, I’ll walk my sis out.”

Remington’s brow furrowed, about to step forward, but Kevin wrapped an arm

around him.

“Remington, I’d like to speak with you about some business matters, may I have a moment?”

Lizetta picked up the pace, Evelina’s voice trailing after her.

“You did that on purpose! flaunting your charms regardless of the occasion, proud of yourself as all the men can’t take their eyes off you, aren’t you?!”

Lizetta couldn’t be bothered with her ranting, but Evelina picked up a pebble, wrapped it in the torn fabric, and threw it at Lizetta.