Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Stella was like a big sister who genuinely cared for Lizetta, even reaching out to touch Lizetta's stomach. Facing someone who wanted her dead, but acting as if nothing was wrong, was downright creepy.

Lizetta felt a chill down her spine and snuggled closer into Remington's embrace, her voice cold.

"Don't touch me!"

Remington also reached out, grabbing Stella's wrist to halt her action.

At the same time, he tightened his hold on Lizetta's other hand, pulling her closer into his protective embrace.

Stella seemed shocked by Lizetta's harsh words and Remington's actions.

Her face was a mix of confusion and sadness, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Lizetta.

"Liz, what's wrong?"

She tried to pull her wrist free, her eyes filling with tears, "Remington, you're hurting me..."

Remington released her, and Stella flexed her wrist, showing several red marks.

"What are you doing here?" Remington eyed her, his brow furrowed, his gaze cold.

Stella felt wronged. She had worked hard to get closer to Remington, hoping he would forget Lizetta and fall for her. But now, it felt like they were further apart than ever.

But she couldn't let any of this show or give Remington any reason to suspect her.

She forced a smile, playfully glaring at Remington.

"It's all your fault for not telling me you were picking up Liz. I thought you were on a business trip in Oakmont, so I flew there to find you, only to find out I had missed you. I just got back." "Oh, I even brought back some souvenirs from Oakmont, Liz, here's something for you."

She pulled a small shell pendant from her bag and handed it to Lizetta.

Lizetta stared at her, "Ms. West, have you developed amnesia? I left Zion City with your help. You should be the last person wanting me back, so why the act?"

Stella looked genuinely shocked,

"Liz, what are you talking about? I was worried when you disappeared I thought you were hiding because of a fight with Remington and would come back after a few days. only found out later that you had really left..."

She denied everything, confident Lizetta had no proof.

Lizetta scoffed, "Ms. West's act is quite convincing."

Stella looked pleadingly at Remington, tears in her eyes.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

"Remington, you don't suspect me too, do you?"

Remington's gaze was dark, "What did you tell Liz at the café that day?"

Stella, tears rolling down her cheeks, clasped her hands.

"Okay, I admit, that day Liz asked me to help her leave Zion City. She said she had no feelings for you anymore and was in pain.

She wanted me to use the West family's connections to help her leave, but... how could I do that, Remington? I refused her right away. I even advised her to talk things out with you!"

She was adamant, then turned to Lizetta.

"Liz, isn't that right?!"

Lizetta marveled at Stella's ability to play the victim.

She emphasized how Lizetta was tired of Remington, making it seem like it was her own decision to leave, absolving herself of any blame.

"You did refuse me, but it wasn't

long before received a message.

Those people were supposed to help me leave the country, but then they turned against me. Ms. West, do you really think your actions would leave no trace?"

Stella was stunned, "What message? Harm you? I had no idea... Remington, you have to believe me, I would never do such a thing!"

Her face went pale, shaking her head, tears streaming down.