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

demeanor, Lizetta felt a

do you mean 'couldn't care

play along. He's a rich kid and 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 get attached." Yolanda winked;

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

more, she

bouquet of flowers, with a maid carrying loads of

I'm here to thank Ms.

had given Martin a piece of her mind yesterday, and

be disturbed, she was about to refuse when Yolanda called out

who's there? Let her

was curious to meet the infamous

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

I'm Stella. Liz must have mentioned me to

is incredibly grateful. I'm

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

hidden barbs didn't

Let me introduce myself

long spiel about her and

West my head's

to your long