Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

When Yolanda saw the color drain from Lizetta's face, she felt a mix of irritation and sympathy.

She was truly a top-tier innocent flower; with just a few lightly spoken words, she could unleash the power of dozens of poison gas bombs.

"Ms. West, I must've been out of my mind to have saved your brother's child! Take your card, I don't need it! If you really want to show gratitude, then properly apologize to my Liz for ruining her wedding. After all, because of you, Liz couldn't even finish her own wedding!"

Stella pressed her lips together in a regretful smile.

"I really do regret the wedding situation. I only found out after I came back, that Remington missed his own wedding with Liz to come pick me up. These past years haven't been kind to me, but I've survived sixteen of them. Enduring a few more days wouldn't have made a difference, and it's just that Remington cared too much."

The words she spoke barely carried any apology, making it sound more like boasting.

But Lizetta found her heart had grown stronger; she felt more annoyed than hurt. This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

She stepped forward to block Stella from reaching for the bank card, cutting her off.

"Since it's a gesture from the West family, Yoli, you should accept it. The West family, for whatever reason, seems to be dwindling in numbers. Evelina's child is already showing signs of being less fortunate, and yet the West family insists on keeping it, which shows its value. A mere $50,000 is nothing compared to the grandchild's significance to the West family. Right, Ms. West?"

Stella could clearly hear the sarcasm in Lizetta's words about the West family being cursed with fewer descendants and unhealthy children as if punished by the heavens.

But since it was Stella who previously insisted on the importance of keeping Evelina's child, she couldn't very well contradict herself now.

Her expression stiffened for a moment before she withdrew her hand from the bank card, saying, "Ms. Yolanda, please keep it. It's hard to repay kindness; this way, our family can be at ease." That was her way of saying that accepting the money cleared any debt the West family had towards Yolanda.

Yolanda chuckled, "Don't worry, Ms. West, I've never been one to hold a grudge or expect anything in return! After today, if we cross paths, I'll act as if we've never met; I won't come any closer." Yolanda emphasized her words heavily, even rolling her eyes.

Indeed, the West family had always been about taking advantage of others' kindness. If it hadn't been for Remington's endorsement, announcing a deep partnership with the West family when they were in trouble, who knows where they'd be now? They had reaped all sorts of benefits in business, yet continued to play the moral high ground, clearly taking Remington's guilt for granted!

Stella's smile strained; she tried to speak, but Lizetta raised her hand to stop her.

"Yoli is still recovering and not up for this. Let me walk Ms. West out."

Once outside, Lizetta closed the hospital room door and turned to Stella.

"Can we step aside for a chat?"

Stella smiled, "Sure. I heard there's a coffee shop across the street. Let's sit there."

In the coffee shop, the two sat opposite each other.

Stella stirred her coffee, smiling, "I forgot, Liz, you can't have coffee because of the pregnancy. So, how come you and Remington didn't have the wedding before, but now you're making up for it while

expecting?"

Lizetta took a sip of water before Stella continued.

"Sorry, I didn't mean anything by it. It just struck me as odd. You don't have to answer if you don't want to or if it feels awkward. Liz, you might have the wrong idea about me, but I really do want to get along with you."

Lizetta put down her water glass, "Ms. West, you might as well be upfront. I'm not afraid to tell you that Remington and I are already emotionally estranged."