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 an

to

forcibly brought here from the

Shirley only dared to mutter under her breath, complaining to her mother

glanced at her and hissed, "Shut

bit smarter than

that wretch, get her hands on their

must have been Remington digging up

had called Lizetta back to make amends on their behalf. Wendy guessed it was more

for seconds, picking up his old, worn-out shoe. Mrs. Dashiell was powerless, it seemed. "Mom, everyone's here. Let's sit and talk this out slowly," Nathan interjected, halting

chat with Liz

brows furrowed, but having no leverage over his mother, his authoritative gaze

up, kept her composure and smiled, aiding Fiona and

gathering? Maybe my timing is off, I should come back another

she could