Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Stella was like a big sister who genuinely cared for Lizetta, even reaching out to touch Lizetta's stomach. Facing someone who wanted her dead, but acting as if nothing was wrong, was downright creepy.

Lizetta felt a chill down her spine and snuggled closer into Remington's embrace, her voice cold.

"Don't touch me!"

Remington also reached out, grabbing Stella's wrist to halt her action.

At the same time, he tightened his hold on Lizetta's other hand, pulling her closer into his protective embrace.

Stella seemed shocked by Lizetta's harsh words and Remington's actions.

Her face was a mix of confusion and sadness, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Lizetta.

"Liz, what's wrong?"

She tried to pull her wrist free, her eyes filling with tears, "Remington, you're hurting me..."

Remington released her, and Stella flexed her wrist, showing several red marks.

doing here?" Remington eyed her, his brow furrowed, his gaze

to get closer to Remington, hoping he would forget

let any of this show

forced a smile, playfully glaring at

thought you were on a business trip in Oakmont, so I flew there to find you, only to find out I had missed you. I just got back." "Oh, I

from her bag and

her, "Ms. West, have you developed amnesia? I left Zion City with your help. You should be the

Stella looked genuinely shocked,

when you disappeared I thought you were hiding because of a fight with Remington and would come back after a few days. only found out later that you

everything, confident

scoffed, "Ms. West's act is quite

pleadingly at Remington, tears

you don't suspect me too, do

dark, "What did you tell Liz at the café

her cheeks,

asked me to help her leave Zion City. She said she