Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Despite having braved that harrowing night, Liz felt a chill run through her at Barbara's words.

Remington stared at Barbara, his expression stone-cold, yet a hint of crimson seeped into his eyes.

"Luna! Have you lost your mind? How could you do such a thing?"

Martin, his face a mask of shock and sorrow, steadied Barbara's frail form, shaking his head in anguish.

Stella moved closer, wrapping her arms around Barbara, the three huddling together in tears, as if they were the victims.

Suddenly, Stella turned around, fell to her knees with a thud, and bowed deeply twice to Liz.

Tears streaming down her face, she pleaded, "Liz, please, I beg you, can you forgive my mom? She only acted out of confusion for my sake.

My brother's gone, I've been wandering for years, enduring so much suffering. My mom just wanted me to be happy. Look, you're safe, reunited with Remington. This whole mess started because you ran away. Can't we just leave it at that?

If you agree to spare my mom, the West family will accept any form of penance. Liz, I'm begging you!"

droves, and Stella's forehead swelled and bled

and fragile, innocent yet

and stepped back

to losing her life, she couldn't possibly feel

even elementary students know that criminal cases can't just be forgiven

was visibly shaken

forward,

know my mom's battling late-stage cancer. She doesn't

me,

If she can't

of me, how can I live with myself... Please, as long as you don't call the

eyes brimming with sorrow. Remington gazed down at her his eyes dark and brooding, his lips barely moving as

really claim

feeling the icy sharpness in his

she managed