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

nonchalant demeanor, Lizetta felt

do you mean

anything. In the entertainment world, relationships are a joke anyway. Don't worry,

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

to ask more, she heard a

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

here to thank Ms. Yolanda. Can

her

she was about to refuse when Yolanda called

who's there? Let

was curious to meet

aside, and Stella, with a gentle smile,

Liz must have mentioned me

baby - my brother's child. Our whole family is incredibly grateful. I'm here on behalf of everyone to thank you." Stella

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

hidden barbs

Liz mentioned me? Let me introduce myself

and Remington's dramatic childhood saga, which could potentially

my head's

listen to your long