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.

like 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

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

needed Remington to agree; it would mean he had truly moved

to be scorned for having a murderer as

Remington cut her off, his voice

kid, and

froze, her hands flailing

what I meant... I'm sorry, I didn't consider

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

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

expression desolate. Then,

mom's funeral simple.dll handle it.

need to bother Reming

bother Rent Who

got off the bed and went

awake?

seemed much older, his back hunched, the hospital gown hanging

with a shake of his

secret? Stella was