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.

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

Remington silent,

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

it would mean he

want to be scorned for

cut her off, his voice

and you say she

her

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

mom died regretful and guilty. If

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

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

simple.dll handle it. I'm

need to bother Reming

bother Rent Who

off the bed

awake?

his back hunched, the hospital gown hanging

reassured Stella with a shake of his head, then

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