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.

with my dad like this, and my mom's funeral... I don't know what to do. Could

seeing Remington silent, she began to

sins should be wiped away with her passing. She may have wronged Lizetta, but she never wronged you.

Remington to agree; it would mean he

buried, and Stella didn't want to be scorned

cut her off, his voice

wife and kid, and you say

her

not what I meant... I'm sorry, I

died regretful and guilty. If she knew you'd forgiven her,

The most I can do is try not to hold a

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

funeral simple.dll handle it. I'm still here,

need to bother Reming

bother Rent Who

off the bed

awake?

his back hunched, the hospital gown hanging loosely on

with a shake of his head, then looked

we keep Luna's cause of death a secret? Stella was lost for so many years,