Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

“Did you hear that? That’s the sound of the baby’s heartbeat, strong and awesome, a healthy little munchkin right there.”

Lizetta lay on the examination bed, listening to the heartbeat echoing in the room, and her own heart– started racing as if it was hit by a wave of excitement.

Her eyes welled up as she looked at the doctor.

“That’s wonderful, thank you.”

“You’re too skinny, the baby needs nutrition. Make sure you’re eating well, and have you been taking your folic acid?”

Lizetta nodded, “Been on it for half a month now.”

Since the pregnancy test came back positive, she had Yolanda help her buy folic acid, which she’d been taking daily alongside her vitamins.

The doctor nodded, “Good, good. Consider whether you want to register here at the hospital. You can get up now.”

Jenny, who was accompanying Lizetta for the prenatal checkup, quickly stepped forward to help her sit up, bearning with joy.

“Congrats, you’re gonna be a mom!”

Lizetta’s hand rested on her belly, her heart swirling with emotion.

“Yeah, becoming a mom is kind of magical.”

As she left the exam room, the corridor ahead suddenly buzzed with commotion.

Lizetta’s heart tightened, and she had a bad feeling. She paused and stared ahead.

The crowd parted, and the tall and straight figure of a man came striding toward her.

Lizetta locked eyes with him, her heart squeezing again. His expression was usual, his handsome face revealing no emotion.

She wondered how much he had guessed. Trying to stay calm, she feigned surprise.

“What are you doing here?” This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

Remington had already reached her, snatching the pregnancy report from Lizetta’s hand.

“Lizetta, playing it cool, huh? How long were you planning to keep this from me?”

His large hand gripped the back of Lizetta’s neck, his touch searing.

Forced forward, Lizetta stumbled into the man’s arms. Looking down, she saw the crumpled pregnancy report in his hand, his knuckles white with tension, betraying his anger.

She looked up, her face still feigning shock.

“What are you talking about? What am I hiding from you?”

Seeing her caught red–handed yet still playing dumb enraged Remington.

His jaw clenched as he held up the pregnancy report, “What’s this? Explain what ‘8 weeks pregnant‘ means?”

Lizetta burst into laughter, “So, you think I’m pregnant? Please, look closely. Whose report is this?”

Remington now saw that the name on the report wasn’t Lizetta’s, but a stranger’s.

14:191

Jenny.

“Uh, that’s mine, are you Liz’s husband? There’s been a misunderstanding.”

Jenny, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, nervously reaching for the pregnancy report in his grip.

She couldn’t understand it; she was a minor actress, pretty as a picture, and yet her presence felt so overlooked.

Lizetta pushed Remington away, taking Jenny’s side.

“This is my friend Jenny, I was just accompanying her for her prenatal checkup.”

With a look of exasperation and leaning in closer, she whispered to him.

“Did you forget I took the contraceptive pill right in front of you this morning? If I were pregnant, do you really think I’d be drinking alcohol and popping birth control?”

Remington’s piercing gaze shifted between Lizetta and the unfamiliar woman she was holding.

“Your friend? How come I’ve never met her before?”

Lizetta, clearly impatient, retorted, “You’ve been overseas so long, there are lots of my friends you don’t know.”

She didn’t want to argue further and tried to walk away with Jenny.

But Remington stepped in front of them, his gaze settling on Jenny.

“Ms. Abbott, you’re so young. Are you married?”

Jenny felt the intimidating aura of the man before her and as if her soul was being scrutinized under his deep and fathomless eyes.

She clutched Lizetta nervously, “I’m pregnant, of course. I’m married.”

“Oh? Ms. Abbott, what do you do, and who’s your husband?”

Fearing Jenny might crack under the pressure, Lizetta pulled her behind and glared angrily at the man.

“That’s enough! You grilling a criminal or something? My friend’s just gotten pregnant, and you’re scaring her half to death. Are you gonna take responsibility if something happens? Freak, get out of the way!”