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?

Stella pondered, tears rolled down her

pressed tightly, retorted,

awkward until Fiona tried to smooth things

don't stoop to

faint sense of gratitude, thinking

here got dumped by his wife. What's the phrase?

out on

to

everyone. Don't take

smile, unsure if his grandmother was supporting him or mocking

managed a weak smile towards Fiona, trying to convince

a divorce are pretty slim. If the love's already gone, it's hard to mend, let alone a marriage. Liz has obviously moved on." Fiona frowned, clearly

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 not? It's like they say, 'True love conquers all, through thick and

sweet, but her words were a clear jab

knew the West family's intentions and how much they owed to

years, Fiona had seen how much Remington had done for the West family, even missing his own wedding