Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Stella endured the humiliation with remarkable grace, which only deepened Lizetta's admiration for her.

After all, it's not easy to have both a thick skin and the talent of a first-rate actor, but Stella seemed to possess both qualities.

Stella's intention was clear: she wanted to remind Fiona of that time she had forced her to chug a bottle of wine at the country club. Yet, Stella conveniently left out why she had done it in the first place.

Just as Lizetta was about to expose Stella's real motives, Remington cut in with a tone full of disdain.

"We're about to have dinner, and your nagging is really killing my appetite!"

His voice was deep, and his choice of words carried a double meaning, seemingly aimed at Stella herself.

Stella's eyes welled up with tears, utterly embarrassed and at a loss for words.

"Remington, what did I do wrong? Why are you humiliating me like this?"

She hadn't been nagging incessantly; she had merely mentioned it once, yet he accused her of being a nuisance.

Was it that, in his eyes, her mere presence was now a source of disgust?

pondered, tears rolled

retorted,

atmosphere turned awkward until Fiona tried to smooth

don't stoop

a faint sense of gratitude, thinking she was being sympathetic. But then Fiona

the phrase? Oh yes, 'chasing after a lost cause.'

out

shy to confront her,

Don't take it

help but offer a bitter smile, unsure if his grandmother was supporting

a weak smile towards Fiona,

If the love's already gone, it's hard

on the situation! For those abusive, cheating types with bad habits, no chance. But if there's still love, Just misunderstandingscor someone else's interference, then why

was sweet, but her words were a

wasn't blind or naive. She knew the West family's intentions and

how much Remington had done for the West