Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Damn, that girl's a real piece of work!"

Lizetta had always sensed something off about Stella, and now she knew why.

On one hand, she acted as if everything was fine, showing off her vulnerabilities, while on the other, she was a bundle of insecurities, unable to face reality.

Such a contradiction indeed.

"Ugh, this is giving me a headache."

Yolanda lifted her hand, intending to rub her temples, but Lizetta quickly stopped her.

"Stop, don't worry about it. I shouldn't have brought it up.

Oh, speaking of which, when you were in surgery yesterday, Cassius was pacing outside the whole time. He only left when they moved you to the ICU. What's up with that?"

Lizetta squinted at Yolanda, who seemed totally unfazed.

"It's just what it looks like."

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"He's got a thing for me, obviously."

"And you?"

couldn't

Yolanda's nonchalant demeanor, Lizetta felt

mean

a big-time actor. I'm not losing anything. In the entertainment world, relationships are

thought to herself that sometimes feelings can catch you off guard, and before you know

was about to ask more, she

it to find Stella standing there, holding a huge bouquet of flowers, with a

I'm here to thank Ms. Yolanda. Can I come

given Martin a piece of her mind

she was about to refuse

who's there?

curious to meet

Stella, with a gentle smile, approached

Stella. Liz must

family is incredibly grateful. I'm here on behalf of everyone to thank you." Stella offered the bouquet to

polite smile, "Sorry, I'm a bit dizzy and who did you say you were? Why would Liz mention

hidden barbs didn't

straight, Stella kept her smile, "Haven't Liz mentioned me? Let me introduce myself again. I'm Stella, grew up

her and Remington's dramatic childhood saga, which could potentially upset Lizetta,

West my head's spinning,

to your long