Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

When Stella reached out, Remington stood up straight, sidestepping her gesture and pulling his hand from hers. "Here, wipe your face."

He handed her a wet wipe.

Touching her face, Stella felt the tear streaks and sat up awkwardly.

After she cleaned her face, it was like she finally snapped back to reality, her voice tinged with nervous guilt.

"Remington, where's my dad? Is he okay?"

Remington's brow furrowed slightly, a flash of irritation passing through his eyes.

"He's fallen ill, resting in the next room."

The police had just left when Martin collapsed.

That's why Remington had been delayed.

Stella's face filled with worry, and she tried to get out of bed but fell back weakly.

"Rest for now," Remington said sternly. "Your dad's condition has stabilized. The nurse will let you know when he wakes up."

Stella nodded obediently, her eyes wandering helplessly, tears falling as she spoke.

this, and my mom's funeral... I don't know what to do. Could you take care of it? Please, for

seeing Remington silent, she began

terrible things, but death trumps all, doesn't it? Her sins should be wiped away with her passing.

to agree; it would mean he had truly

death would be buried, and Stella didn't want to

her off, his

and you

her hands

not what I meant... I'm sorry, I didn't consider your feelings, that was thoughtless of

If she knew you'd

most

nodded silently, her expression desolate. Then, Martin's voice

keep your mom's funeral simple.dll

need to bother Reming

bother Rent Who

off the bed

you're awake?

older, his back hunched, the

of his

secret? Stella was lost for so