Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Fiona pointed to her head, now full of silver strands.

Lizetta looked over, her eyes warming with tears. When she had left, Fiona's hair still sported a few black strands, but now, it was a challenge to find even one.

"Silver hair like Fiona's is all the rage this year. Many folks try to dye their hair to get this effect but can't quite nail it. And Fiona, with such a full head of hair, looks even more regal and elegant. Many a girl with thinning hair would be green with envy."

Lizetta teased Fiona, who responded with a hearty laugh, clearly pleased with the compliment.

As Fiona stood up, the younger ones couldn't remain seated any longer.

Nathan and the others quickly got to their feet, and Shirley, despite her swollen, aching knees, reluctantly followed suit.

At that moment, she watched Fiona and Lizetta chatting away happily, Fiona enthusiastically bigging up Lizetta, and felt a bitter mix of sourness and jealousy.

"What's the big deal with her? Just a widow who lost a child, acting as if the whole world owes her something. To the uninitiated, you'd think she was some kind of princess, demanding the entire family get up to greet her!"

Shirley was seething, having only badmouthed Lizetta a bit in a private room one day, which led to her practically being on her knees, and even caused a rift with her parents.

even dared to threaten her with

to the old family home, all to wait for

even forcibly brought here from the

mutter under her breath, complaining to her mother Wendy next

at her and hissed, "Shut

a bit smarter than

hands on their dark

have been Remington digging

amends on their behalf. Wendy guessed it was

old, worn-out shoe. Mrs. Dashiell was powerless, it seemed. "Mom, everyone's here. Let's sit and talk this out slowly," Nathan

"What, I can't chat with Liz for a bit

over his mother, his authoritative gaze fell on

kept her composure and smiled, aiding Fiona and pretending

is today a family gathering? Maybe my timing is off, I

could