Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta met Stella's challenging gaze with a slight curl of her lips.

She knew Stella wanted her to publicly admit she no longer loved Remington. It would embarrass him, hurt his feelings, and dampen Fiona's spirits. Why not?

Although Lizetta didn't want Remington to misunderstand, she was even less inclined to let Stella have her moment of triumph, and she certainly didn't want to disrespect the family matriarch. She chuckled lightly, "Ms. West, why are you so curious about my love life? Who I love or don't seems to be none of your business."

Stella, not achieving her goal, pushed further.

"Liz, why won't you answer the question directly?"

Lizetta, growing impatient with her persistence, was about to retort when Remington, with a frown, interjected.

"Whether she loves me or not, I know best. We don't need an outsider to ask on my behalf. Grandma, let's eat."

Stella bit her lip, glanced at Remington with a hurt look, but ultimately didn't dare to say more and bowed her head.

Remington stood up to serve both Fiona and Lizetta a bowl of soup.

Stella, "Stella, have you

But before she could speak, Remington cut in. "Grandma, it's dinner time. If she hasn't eaten, wouldn't that mean she's here to freeload? Ms. West wouldn't

she could only nod with a forced

you some bird's

and, still smiling, reached for a soup

she refused to

her way of aggravating Lizetta. If she left,

smile, served the bird's nest soup to Fiona, bending slightly as she offered

anything you'd like." Her face was the picture of docility, bending slightly, a classic image of a

felt more

as

herself. Rather than feeling charmed, she saw

ve

Fiona had felt sympathy for her and did not want to be too harsh. But

lately, there are many things can't eat. This bird's nest is nourishing, but Liz would benefit from it