Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Sorry."

The mom with the child was visibly intimidated, holding the child and speaking with a pale face.

Stella stepped out from behind Remington, her voice gentle.

"Remington, don't be like this. He's just a kid."

She moved closer, speaking softly to the crying child.

"Hey, little buddy, it's okay. I just got a little hurt, there's nothing scary. How about I treat you with some ice cream next time, huh?"

But the kid only burrowed deeper into his mom's embrace, crying even harder.

The embarrassed mother quickly left with the child in her arms.

Turning around, Stella's face briefly clouded with sadness before she forced a smile.

"It's nothing, really. I'm used to it."

Yet, her hand trembled slightly in Remington's grip.

Remington felt a pang of guilt, and his brow remained frowned.

"That beast. I swear I'll find him and make him pay," he said, his voice low and determined.

them back then, one died, and the other, the one who cut off Stella's fingers, fled the country and hasn't been found

to realize that there

who had been there just moments before, was already

empty, and he suddenly felt

around, he quickly headed towards the elevator, as

my mom's still in surgery, aren't you

replied in a

then she lowered her head and looked at her injured fingers

out of the elevator, her expression was very

be imprinted

wasn't surprising, nor was it heartbreaking. She should have

back as Stella, Remington had shown her such

clearly and been

felt extremely uncomfortable in

wasn't jealousy or

et

to love her while refusing to , yet showed

compassion for another woman.

find

pulled out an alcohol wipe and meticulously cleaned her hands, then turned to find a trash can. Turning her gaze, she

tall and imposing, his handsome face illuminated by a

exhe face illuminated b

beam

his eyes dark

Lizetta turned and

before she could take two steps, Remington grabbed her

"Ah!"