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?"

I couldn't care

demeanor, Lizetta felt a bit

do you mean 'couldn't

a rich kid and a big-time actor. I'm not losing anything. In the entertainment world, relationships are a joke anyway. Don't

off guard, and before you know it, you're in too

about to ask more, she heard a knock on the

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

here to thank Ms.

piece of her mind yesterday,

to be disturbed, she was about to refuse when

there? Let

meet the infamous Ms.

Stella, with a gentle smile, approached

Stella. 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

a bit

hidden barbs

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

on a long spiel about her and Remington's dramatic childhood

my head's

listen to your