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.

know what to do. Could you take care of it? Please, for my brother's

quivered, and seeing Remington silent, she began

things, but death trumps all, doesn't it? Her sins should be wiped away with her passing. She may have wronged Lizetta, but she never wronged you. She always cared for you..." Traditionally, only sons

agree; it would mean he had

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

her

and kid, and

her hands flailing

I didn't

If she knew

was unyielding. "I can't forgive. I'm no saint. The most I can do is try not

desolate. Then, Martin's voice came

simple.dll handle

need to bother Reming

bother Rent Who

bed and went to

awake? Are you

older, his back hunched,

a shake of his head, then looked at Remington

I have just one uneasy request. Can we keep Luna's cause of death a secret? Stella was lost for