Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Martin slumped by the bed, his face streaked with tears, a picture of grief.

The officer quickly checked the scene, then walked over to Remington with a grave expression. "It appears to be cyanide poisoning. The syringe and a note were prepared in advance. She's gone."

"Mom! Dad, what happened to mom? Why? You were with her, weren't you? How did this happen?"

Stella stumbled into the room, grabbing Barbara's hand and sobbing as she questioned Martin.

Martin rubbed his face, filled with regret, and said, "I went to the closet to fetch a dress for your mom. She wanted to look around our house one last time. When I left her, she was just dusting off our family portrait..."

"Mom! Mom, please, say something to me!"

As Stella shook Barbara, Martin calmed down and gently pulled Stella aside. "Stella, let's let your mom go in peace. This was her choice."

Stella covered her face, weeping, and staggered towards the doorway where Remington stood.

Her face was pale, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Remington, my mom is gone. I don't have a mom anymore. Liz must be satisfied now, right?"

She gave a bleak smile, her expression one of utter despair, then suddenly her eyes closed, and she collapsed towards Remington.

Remington frowned slightly, catching Stella in his arms instinctively.

Downstairs, Lizetta, anxious and accompanied by Ray, had just reached the scene. What she saw was Remington, holding a frail Stella in his arms, his gaze filled with concern.

in her tracks, then

"Ma'am..."

Remington look back, catching a glimpse of Lizetta's retreating figure. His brow furrowed

to a nearby officer and hurried

visibly pregnant, was slowly descending

strides, grabbing her arm as he tried to explain, "Barbara took her own life. Stella is

tone cold. "You don't need to

unintentionally as he spoke harshly, "Liz, Barbara is dead! It's time to put this

an end even to

guilt, and now she was gone. What

would be

say it outright, his words

the murderer's mother is dead, no

or

her. Such

But

havere divorced now. I've

over, no

Mr. Dashiell, please,

and take good