Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

\"Is that... Lizetta? Why on earth is she back! Even if she's no longer Mrs. Dashiell, becoming a celebrity assistant is a bit too much of a fall from grace, isn't it?\" Shirley couldn't hide her schadenfreude as she watched Lizetta and her entourage fade into the distance.

Once upon a time, Lizetta, the underdog, had everything better than Shirley, the legitimate Dashiell heiress, thanks to Remington's favor. After marrying Remington, even though he was distant, he never skimped on spoiling her with top-tier clothes, bags, and jewels.

Shirley had been green with envy for years. But now, upon closer inspection, there was Lizetta, in a simple hoodie and jeans, hauling her luggage around - the very picture of a down-and-out assistant. Indeed, once you're out of the Dashiell's favor, it's back to square one.

\"She and Remington divorced. She's got to make a living somehow. She's young, pretty, and a trained dancer. Maybe she's aiming for a shot in the entertainment world? It's a quick way to make money. Starting as a celebrity assistant isn't a bad strategy. If a star, producer, or director notices her and she's willing to go the extra mile, opportunities could come knocking. She's still got her smarts about her.\" Beside Shirley, Stella West, clad in a designer fall dress and carrying a limited edition purse, her makeup flawless, followed by bodyguards with her luggage, had just returned from an international fashion show. Spotting the divorced and seemingly desolate Lizetta was an unexpected delight.

Stella's red lips curled in derision, her heart boiling with animosity.

She remembered their last encounter when that madwoman Lizetta tried to run her over. Lizetta should've gone to jail, but Remington whisked her away without Lizetta paying any price. Stella, on the other hand, ended up being assaulted, suffering two broken ribs and spending three months bedridden. Now, seeing Lizetta's retreating figure, Stella felt a twinge of pain in her ribs.

\"From Mrs. Dashiell to pandering to sleazy old men in showbiz, talk about a fall from grace,\" Shirley sneered.

Stella remained silent, frowning inwardly. Despite Lizetta's ragged appearance, she seemed somehow more radiant than ever.

Why come back now, if not to try and ensnare Remington again?

An hour later.

In the Starlight Group's CEO office, Cedric

in hapurst through the door, t , nearly stumbling in histExclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

haste.

The disturbance was loud and reckless.

Behind the desk, the man reviewing documents knit his brows but didn't look up, radiating a chilling displeasure.

"This better be important!\"

Cedric knew these past four months

had been rough on Remington,

whose sleep was erratic at best, managing only three to four hours on a good night. With his life consumed by work, any disruption was intolerable.

Cedric, the assistant, would typically be shaking in his boots for such

blunder, but today he was

ele

emboldened, not slowing down but

rather speeding up to the

desk.

\"Sir, you've got to see this!\"

He placed the lit tablet before Remington, nearly in tears.

It was because the lady of the house had finally returned.

It seemed Remington's long vigil, akin to a devoted lover waiting in the cold, was finally over.