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?"

bothered by the scent

she closed her eyes,

closer. He fetched a blanket to

on his wife, seemingly forgetting there was

scene,

in touch with Remington every day lately, subtly trying to

nice to her, hardly ever refusing her

she had a fever in the

and called him, mentioning

et

come over,

with Lizetta around, Remington

this, Stella had agreed

Remington's affection and

Lizetta's suggestion. Now, the

Lizetta only solidified her decision.

leave, but Stella had to

mind, caught