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 care

nonchalant demeanor,

you mean

a big-time actor. I'm not losing anything. In the entertainment world, relationships are a joke anyway. Don't worry, I'm not like you; I don't

sometimes feelings can catch you off guard, and

was about to ask more, she heard a knock on

it to find Stella standing there, holding a huge bouquet of flowers, with a maid carrying loads of health

to thank Ms. Yolanda. Can I

had given Martin a piece of her mind yesterday,

she was about to refuse when Yolanda called

there? Let

was curious to meet the infamous Ms.

stepped aside, and Stella, with a gentle smile, approached

Liz must have

you risked yourself to save Evelina's baby - my brother's child. Our whole family is incredibly grateful. I'm here on behalf of everyone to thank you." Stella offered the bouquet to

it; instead, she offered a polite smile, "Sorry, I'm a bit dizzy and who did you

hidden barbs

Let me introduce myself again. I'm Stella, grew up with

to go on a long spiel about her and Remington's dramatic childhood saga, which could potentially upset

West my head's spinning,

can't listen to your long