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.

woman who had meticulously planned her departure, how could

sorry, did I disturb you?" Stella asked

quickly composed himself, reaching to

light illuminated the surroundings, casting light on the man's cold and

are you doing here? How

seemed startled by his icy tone,

brought me over. She went upstairs + knew Liz was missing, and you were worried and restless, not sleeping for the past two days. I was worried about you and brought some nutritious food for you. You

resembling a wife waiting for her husband to return home,

wait for him in the same way, day

sorrow in his eyes, no longer looking

"Please leave."

cold, leaving Stella

Lizetta gone, she'd have her chance, eagerly wanting to

was even colder and more distant, keeping her

lip,

then, Hanna's

room,

you talk to Stella like

you. Did she