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?"

she was bothered by the scent of

closed her eyes, saying, "I'll

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

entirely on his wife, seemingly forgetting there was

watched this scene, clenching her fists

day lately, subtly trying to get closer to

refusing

she had a

and called him, mentioning Martin was

et

with her mother and asking him to come over, all she got was

Lizetta around, Remington

this, Stella

Remington's affection and

Lizetta's suggestion. Now, the

solidified her decision.

Stella had to ensure Lizetta could never

was worried that Lizetta might change her mind, caught in