Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Yolanda had stumbled upon a video circulating in the upscale Zion City socialite circles showing Stella being roughed up, and initially thought sharing it with Lizetta might cheer her up. But now, she felt keeping anything related to Remington and his circle away from Lizetta was perhaps the kindest act.
As Yolanda looked down to close the paused video, her fingers slipped, and the video blared to life.
"Ah! Help, get off... It wasn't me!"
Stella's screams immediately filled the air.
Yolanda could see the smile fade from Lizetta's face.
Regretting her lack of clarity, she quickly dimmed her phone's screen, intending to pocket it, but Lizetta had already raised her hand.
"I want to see."
With no choice, Yolanda walked over.
The video, filmed by an unknown bystander, only captured the back of the hefty woman assaulting Stella, but Stella, pinned and kicked on the ground, was visible in clear detail.
Lizetta watched intently, while Yolanda cautiously observed her, worried that the sight of Stella in distress might trigger unpleasant memories for Lizetta.
However, Lizetta remained calm throughout, her gaze as if watching an inconsequential clip.
Once the video ended, Yolanda tried to lighten the mood, "Really, it's nothing exciting. Her screams, so grating, you'd think it was a pig being slaughtered..." As Yolanda reached for her phone, Lizetta played the video again, looking up with a chuckle.
"Actually, it's quite satisfying, a real appetite booster."
Relieved, Yolanda said, "Well, in that case, let me get you some extra for breakfast. Don't let Ms. West's dramatic performance go to waste." Lizetta smiled lightly, nodding. Yolanda turned to serve up a hearty breakfast, while Lizetta's gaze lingered on the video, her mind racing.
She had noticed earlier; the places Stella was hit mirrored the bruises on her own body.
Now, seeing it again, she was even more convinced.
"Where did this video come from? Why was Stella beaten?"
Taking the soup bowl, Lizetta inquired.
Yolanda shrugged, "Remember the West family dinner I went to? I joined a socialite group there, and it popped up from that chat.
Who knows what caused it. The group's been buzzing, guessing maybe Stella did something
shameless, like seducing someone's husband. Not that she hasn't tried that before... Her vibe's too loud to miss, always flirting with married men..."
As Yolanda set up the hospital bed's table dishes and sweet beame she realized too late
buns
Ewe matche
might have spoken out of turn again.
Head bowed in regret, she nearly bit her tongue.
"Don't bite!"
But Lizetta, seemingly reading her thoughts, leaned in and gently held her chin.
Yolanda looked up to find Lizetta setting down the phone, smiling.
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"Yoli, I'm not that fragile. You don't have to be so cautious around me, really. Waking up yesterday, I realized how foolish I've been. I have so many true friends who care about me, dreams I haven't pursued, and t worth The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest chapter there!
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so much life to live. It's not dwelling on the past for anyonel believem Daisy would want her mom to be strong, and I will be!" The content is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest chapter there!
Yolanda's eyes teared up, and she hugged Lizetta tightly.
"I believe in you!"
Lizetta smiled, though the joy didn't quite reach her eyes.
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That video, she knew, was someone
venting on her behalf, returning the m
blows she suffered at the West N family dinner with interest. And she
was well aware of who knew her
injuries well enough to do so. The content is on Novelxo.org! Read the latest chapter there!