Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Stella's voice was laced with malice, and she knew that nothing else could unsettle Lizetta Gardenia quite like bringing up her most vulnerable spot. When Stella mentioned the baby, it was the final straw for Lizetta, who reacted by slapping Stella across the face. "Ah!" Stella cried out, covering her face and glaring at Lizetta in fury. "How dare you hit me!"

Lizetta smirked, "You were asking for it! Keep pushing, and you'll get a couple more!"

Stella, fists clenched, shot Lizetta a venomous look but ultimately left without saying anything. She knew that even if she complained to Remington Dashiell and Fiona Dashiell, it wouldn't change a thing.

"What did she say to you?" Remington's tall, commanding figure appeared around the corner just as Lizetta was about to leave. It was clear he had witnessed the altercation.

Stella's words had soured Lizetta's mood, erasing the warmth and harmony of their earlier dinner together. Lizetta thought, Stella was willing to take a slap just to deliver those hurtful words-it must have been her intention all along. With a cold voice, Lizetta said, "Oh, are you feeling sorry for her?"

Remington stepped closer and firmly grasped Lizetta's wrist, his handsome face showing anger. "Are you out of your mind? If I felt sorry for her, I'd be asking why you hit her, not what she said to you!"

He was only concerned about what Stella might have said to provoke such a strong reaction from Lizetta, but his obvious concern led her to misinterpret his intentions.

His anger was replaced by exasperation as Remington inspected Lizetta's delicate palm under the light, asking, "Does it hurt?"

Noticing the slight redness, he

unconsciously stroked the lines ofExclusive © material by Nô(/v)elDrama.Org.

her palm, causing a tingling sensation that made Lizetta withdraw her hand abruptly. "It's getting chilly; grandma might need a blanket," Lizetta said before walking away, leaving Remington standing there, his hand outstretched,

ultimately not reaching for her again.

In the car, Stella glared at her swollen face and eyes in the mirror, tossing it aside in frustration. The driver, trying to stay out of her wrath, narrowly avoided the flying mirror, causing the car to swerve slightly. "Idiot! Take me to the Miller's."

"Sorry, miss, right away."

Half an hour later, Stella arrived at the Miller's. She found Margaret Miller locked in her room, with Mrs. Miller and two servants outside, trying to coax her out with food. Mrs. Miller pleaded with Margaret to open the door, but only the sound of things being thrown around came from inside.

"Auntie, let me try," Stella offered, taking a tray from one of the servants. Seeing Stella as a lifeline, Mrs. Miller eagerly nodded.

"Margaret has been locked in there ever since her dad made her publicly apologize in the media. She hasn't come out or eaten anything. This can't go on. Stella, you're her best friend; please help me talk to her, comfort her."

Stella nodded and waited for Mrs. Miller to leave before knocking on the door, her voice soft. "Margaret, it's me. Can you open the door? I just want to see how you're doing."

There was no response at first, but then Stella's voice broke slightly. "Margaret, I got a serious talking-to from my dad too. I've just come from the Dashiell's..."

The door opened. Margaret looked

terrible, much thinner, and upon

seeing Stelfa, equally puffy-eyed and bearing the marks of a slap, she stepped aside to let her in. Stella entered, comforting Margaret and eventually convincing her to eat something, then holding her hand.