Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

The dance troupe's debut performance at the Zion Theatre had been the talk of the town for weeks, with tickets selling out almost immediately. Lizetta felt a pang of guilt toward her fellow dancers; just yesterday, in Jerome's office, he had agreed to keep her secret. She was eternally grateful.

Jerome had said, "Just nail this first performance, and you'll have paid us back tenfold."

Lizetta was determined to give it her all, to repay Jerome's kindness, to show her gratitude to her fellow dancers for their understanding, and to do justice to the years of sweat and dedication she had put into her craft.

But as soon as she stepped onto the stage, all those thoughts vanished. She was in her element, basking in the limelight she had fought so hard for.

movements were fluid and vibrant, and her slight baby bump did not hinder her but added to her allure,

be this mesmerizing. Her pregnancy only made her appear more radiant and mature, though every leap

but everyone's eyes are on her," Stella remarked suddenly, pulling Remington's attention momentarily away from the stage. Glancing around, he saw that Stella was

checking his watch. The performance was ninety minutes with no intermission, and there were still over twenty minutes to go.

replied weakly, but Remington noticed

front, shocked to

hurting a lot. I didn't want to disturb you or the others," Stella said, trying to hide her

middle of the performance drew many eyes, especially from the