Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Where are you off to?"

"Done with my scenes for the day, so wherever I please."

Yolanda rolled her eyes at Cassius as she tried to walk past him. But Cassius grabbed her wrist, "No way, I've got a love scene tonight, and you can't leave. Remember, you're the body double."

Yolanda gritted her teeth, thinking about how even the lead actress, Eudora, didn't fuss about having a kissing or body double.

Why was Cassius, a man, so concerned about finding a stand-in for the lead actress?

It was after a kissing scene she realized why. Cassius was nothing but a beast during the rut. A simple romantic kiss, and the guy got all worked up.

No wonder he needed a body double; he was probably scared Queen Eudora would accuse him of harassment after a kissing scene. So he had to find someone like her who didn't have money or clout to cover his true color of being a lecher.

"Go see a vet if you're sick. I'm too busy to play part-time."

With a twist of her wrist, Yolanda freed herself from Cassius' grip and pushed him on the shoulder.

Cassius stumbled but steadied himself, and when he turned around, Yolanda was already steps away.

He chuckled darkly; watching her retreating figure, he drawled, "The role of a female supporting role isn't significant. Replacing you and reshooting would be easy."

His threat was crystal clear. Yolanda stopped dead, turned around, and saw Cassius smirking at her, wishing she could kick him into next week.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

But she didn't have the power. Suddenly, she feigned a smile, "What an honor to serve Movie Star Cassius. I'll make sure to be on time for your love scene tonight."

Only then did Cassius wave her off, strutting into his makeup room.

An hour later, Yolanda dropped Lizetta off at Oakridge Heights. On the way, Lizetta had filled her in on everything about Stella.

She turned to Yolanda, "Yoli, will you be my maid of honor?"

Yolanda didn't want to dampen her spirits but was genuinely concerned; she couldn't help but ask, "Liz, are you sure it's the right time for a wedding? Does Remington truly love you? If this Stella thing is a sham, of course, he'll reject Barbara. But what if the real Stella shows up one day?"

As the best friend, she was genuinely worried. Lizetta might be diving headfirst into nothing but air. And if things went south, Lizetta would be the one most hurt.

Lizetta's smile didn't falter as she reached out and took Yolanda's hand, "Yoli, thanks for telling me these. I know there's so much uncertainty between us.

But I've loved him for over a decade, deeply and truly. Despite the long wait and all the pain, my heart still belongs to him.

Pathetic, isn't it? But if love could be turned on and off, if it was something we could control so easily, then maybe it wouldn't be love at all.

Backing out now would leave me with regrets and what-ifs. I'd rather give it one last shot. This wedding is my final chance. If I win, I give Joy a complete family and live out my dream.

And if I lose? Then I'll hit the wall head-on, and maybe then, I'll finally wake up. That wouldn't be so bad, right?"

Lizetta's face was serene, her eyes clear and determined. Looking at Lizetta, Yolanda choked up, didn't know what to say.

Knowing she might get hurt but going ahead anyway, maybe that was what loving someone was all about.

She just hoped Remington would prove himself worthy and not let down the infinitely brave Lizetta.

"Come on, say you'll be my maid of honor," Lizetta coaxed, hugging Yolanda.

Yolanda's eyes went red as she patted Lizetta's back, "Silly! Of course, I will!"

She just hoped this time Remington wouldn't let Lizetta down. After all these years of emotional entanglement, she too hoped for a happy outcome. But if Remington hurt her again, Liz might truly shatter.