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?"

by the scent

closed her eyes, saying, "I'll take

sleep well," Remington responded, pulling her closer. He fetched a blanket to cover her, gently sorted her

was entirely on his wife, seemingly forgetting

watched this scene, clenching her

Remington every day lately, subtly trying

her, hardly ever refusing her requests, but it went

she had a fever in

him, mentioning Martin

et

to come over, all she got was a visit from Remington's family

Lizetta around, Remington wouldn't

this, Stella had agreed

Remington's affection and

Lizetta's suggestion. Now, the

only solidified her

had

might change her mind, caught in Remington's