Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington watched Stella's tear-streaked face, her anxious and furrowed brow, feeling a mix of impatience and sympathy.

He couldn't help but think of Liz, who, despite her delicate appearance, had bravely left with her unborn child, managing to take care of herself and little Daisy admirably.

He wished Liz would show some vulnerability, some need for him, but she seemed only to want distance.

"Remington, please, don't make me leave," Stella's pleading voice snapped him back to reality.

He looked at her with a mix of annoyance and pity. Considering the hardships and trauma she'd endured over the years, he tried to suppress his irritation, speaking more gently. "You're the West family's heiress. Your brother's gone, and your father's getting older and his health isn't great. Who else is going to carry the West family legacy?"

He picked up the documents, walked around his desk, and handed them back to Stella.

"Take a good look at these. I've got another meeting, so I can't keep you."

As he turned to leave, Stella suddenly wrapped her arms around his waist from behind.

and the West family has been going well. I heard you and

her arms and stepped away, causing Stella to stumble

at him, her eyes were filled

and I were to part ways, you and I wouldn't

corporation after me, and for my sake, you nearly missed your own wedding..." She couldn't accept that all his actions were out of guilt

off again, his tone leaving no room for doubt, "It's just

tears as she struggled to her feet,

Liz doesn't

not true. Despite the beatings and the cold, it was because I fought back against that foot

tried to defend

well

family whose hopes rested

Stella's defiance had made her a target of