Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

The production crew was abuzz with gossip. She knew that everyone was poking fun at her, saying that she was getting totally outshone by her dance double–from her temperament and looks to her physique.

She was already seething with anger, and the director’s words just added fuel to the fire.

Boiling with rage, she set out to confront Lizetta but was stopped by her agent.

“What the heck are you doing?!”

“Miranda! That little dance double is getting ahead of herself!”

*The director is a pragmatist and hates it when actors cause trouble on set. If you want to keep filming, you’d better play nice!”

Reprimanded by her agent, Lulu nodded with red eyes, holding in her anger.

Miranda tried to soothe her, “She dances well, but when the movie hits the big screen, you’re the one who’ll benefit. Don’t be so short–sighted!”

With that, Miranda walked away.

She chased after Lizetta, who was leaving the studio, and stopped her.

“I’m Miranda, the agent for the second female lead. You’ve worked hard today, and you did great. Here, take this token of appreciation.”

Lizetta had heard from Yolanda that it was common for stand–ins who did a good job to receive money from actors and directors. Since the director’s assistant had already given her one, she didn’t hesitate

to thank Miranda and accept another from her.

As she turned to leave, Miranda spoke up again.

“Would you consider signing an agency contract with me to become a formal actress?

You’ve got the looks and the talent. I guarantee that within three years

two I can make you a top star. Shall we discuss a contract?”

—

no, make that

Lizetta smiled lightly, “Thanks for the offer, but my ambitions lie elsewhere. Goodbye.”

Her refusal was quick and decisive, and she walked away without hesitation.

Miranda was surprised by her firm rejection. Becoming a top star is a huge temptation- don’t dance stand–ins dream of stepping into the spotlight?

But she could see that Lizetta’s refusal was genuine, not just playing hard to get.

It was clear that Lizetta knew what she wanted; with both personality and conviction. A flash of admiration and regret crossed Miranda’s eyes.

She caught up to give Lizetta her business card before she got into her car.

13:12

Call me if you change your mind.”

Lulu watched from a distance, stamping her foot in frustration. She went back to the set and grabbed her phone from her assistant, opening WhatsApp.

Lizetta left the set and returned to Oakridge Heights.

She remembered there were two jars of plum wine left at Oakridge Heights – perfect for taking to Lucian.

Remington was hardly ever home, and now, at just past four in the afternoon, it was event less likely he would be there.

Lizetta entered the villa to find it eerily quiet. She headed straight for the liquor cabinet but instead of finding her wine, she found only Remington’s collection. © 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

Figuring that Hanna, who always picky about everything, might have decided the two jars of wine weren’t presentable, and had Edith stow them away in the storeroom. So, Lizetta went to the storeroom, searched through the boxes and cabinets, and indeed found the wine hidden in the furthest corner.

But as she climbed out with the jars, her dress caught on something, and it ripped with a

tear.

She was wearing a tight, straight–cut long dress, and the tear was significant enough to reveal her thigh with any slight movement.

With no other choice, she went upstairs to her bedroom, entered th

picked out a pair of jeans.

changing room, and

As she bent over to take off her dress, halfway through, a man’s deep voice suddenly sounded from behind.

“What are you doing?”

Startled, Lizetta panicked, tripping over her half–pulled–down dress and lurching forward.

“Ah!” she screamed; eyes shut tight.

The expected fall didn’t happen; instead, the man caught her, becoming her human cushion.

Still

in shock, Lizetta’s chin knocked against the man’s chest, the pain making her rub it as tears welled up in her eyes.

From underneath, Remington’s chilly voice rang out, “There’s no need to act like a complete fool if you want a divorce.”

Lizetta opened her eyes and gave his chest a frustrated punch.

“You’re the fool! If you hadn’t scared me out of the blue, would I have fallen? What are you Loven doing here?”

It was like seeing a ghost in broad daylight.

“This is my house,” Remington scoffed coldly.

But Lizetta found his words immensely ironic. During their two years of marriage, had he ever treated this place like home?

He barely came back, and now, for some reason, he seemed to be everywhere.

“Fine, fine, your house. I’ll leave right now.”

Lizetta tried to get up, but his large hand pressed on her lower back and pushed slightly.

She fell back onto him, their bodies fitting together perfectly, and she heard his mocking

voice close to her ear.

“If you can’t bear to divorce, just say it. There’s no need for these games, fluttering your lashes and throwing yourself into my arms.”