Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Her voice was full of apology, and Lizetta turned her head with a smile.

"It's alright, Ms. West, it's just that your perfume and makeup are a bit strong for me. I've been sensitive to strong scents since I got pregnant, nothing more." Stella's smile stiffened a bit, and she instinctively touched her face.

She was quite a bit older than Lizetta, and the years hadn't been kind. Her skin wasn't as firm, which naturally led to a heavier makeup application.

Looking at Lizetta's makeup-free, porcelain-smooth, and radiant face, Stella felt a bit uncomfortable that a shadow passed over her eyes.

She managed an awkward smile, and turned to Remington for some support.

But Remington wasn't looking at her. Instead, he instructed the driver, "Turn on the car's air recycling system."

The driver immediately acknowledged, and Stella's awkward smile completely froze.

"Stella, she's just more sensitive during her pregnancy. Don't take it to heart," Remington said as he wrapped an arm around Lizetta, finally turning towards Stella. Stella quickly shook her head with a smile, "I'm just jealous of Liz, having such a considerate and thoughtful husband like you. How could I mind?"

The air was thick with unspoken words.

But it seemed lost on Remington. He tightened his embrace around Lizetta, letting her lean into him, and asked, "Feeling alright?"

thought she was bothered by the scent

she closed her eyes, saying, "I'll

her closer. He fetched a blanket to cover her, gently sorted her hair,

on his wife, seemingly forgetting

this scene, clenching her

every day lately,

to her, hardly ever refusing

she had a fever

called him, mentioning Martin was at

et

mother and asking him to come over, all she got was a visit from

with Lizetta around, Remington wouldn't

this, Stella had agreed

Remington's affection and

Lizetta's suggestion. Now, the

solidified her decision.

not just leave, but Stella had to

change her mind, caught in Remington's