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.

asked Stella, "Stella, have you

was about to say no, intending to inform Fiona that she hadn't eaten because she was busy bringing over the freshly made bird's nest soup. 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 do something

even more, but she could only nod

bring you some bird's nest soup. Let

Stella opened her thermos and,

feeling unwelcome, she refused to

aggravating Lizetta. If she left, who

bird's nest soup to Fiona,

you'd like."

felt more

as

saw Stella lacking tact, wondering

ve

Stella had endured over the years, Fiona had felt

at the bird's nest soup Stella had placed before her, "I'm on a herbal diet lately, there are many things can't eat. This bird's nest is nourishing, but Liz would benefit from