Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington returned to Oakridge Heights as the night had completely settled in.

It had been two days and two nights since Lizetta left. Exhausted, the man stepped out of his car, only to be surprised by the lights on in the mansion. Remington trembled, his fists clenching suddenly.

In a moment, his dim eyes seemed to fall into the Starlight Group. He quickened his pace, gradually turning into a run as he pushed open the entrance door. The living room was brightly lit, yet empty.

Just as Remington was about to dash upstairs, he heard sounds coming from the kitchen.

He paused, quickly heading towards the kitchen.

Standing at the kitchen entrance, he saw a slender figure at the counter, the kitchen dimly lit, casting a soft halo around the woman.

Her hair fell in soft waves, shimmering gently in the light.

For a moment, Remington felt a moment of dizziness and disbelief, his eyes burning, his voice hoarse to the extreme.

"Honey."

His voice startled the busy figure, who turned around with a beaming smile.

But to Remington, it felt like his vision shattered, blown away by the wind.

Clarity returned to his eyes. A whirlpool of disappointment and frustration swallowed him.

It wasn't Lizetta.

It was Stella.

the woman who had meticulously planned her departure, how could she suddenly change her mind and return to their

did I

quickly composed himself, reaching to turn on the

the man's cold and handsome features, his

are you doing here?

seemed startled by his icy tone,

about you and brought some nutritious food for you. You hadn't returned, sol thought I'd heat

waiting for her husband to return home, ready

of how Lizetta used to wait for him in

sorrow in his eyes, no longer looking at Stella, and

"Please leave."

was too cold, leaving Stella stiff

her chance, eagerly wanting to be the one to comfort

even colder and more distant, keeping her at arm's

lip, she felt

then, Hanna's

room, "Remington,

to Stella

you. Did she