Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Stella and Martin trudged out of the hospital, their spirits low, just as Remington's SUV pulled up to the curb.

As the car door swung open and Remington's tall figure emerged, Stella rushed over, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Remington, is it true? Did you really order us to leave the hospital? Tell me it isn't so. I can't believe you'd be this cruel to me. Just now, a nurse shoved me. Look, I even fell and hurt myself..."

Stella reached out, grabbing Remington's arm. Indeed, she had fallen, scraping her hand on the ground until it bled.

Remington used to show a flicker of pity at the sight of her injuries, a mix of compassion and guilt. But this time, his gaze shifted over her injured hand, and Stella saw something in his eyes she hadn't seen before: revulsion.

It was a look she knew all too well, the kind people have when they see something utterly repulsive. And this time, Remington's gaze held even more disdain.

Stella froze, her face paling, her grip stiffening.

Above her, Remington's voice was cold and detached, "Stella, you've played this card too many times. It's lost its effect."

gaze. With a swift gesture, he

had always seen through her little schemes; he had just chosen to remember their past bond, to indulge her. But now,

his voice

like brothers. Stella has gone through hell for you. Even if you're grieving and suspicious of everything, it's unfair to

would I have called you that night to get you out?

clear their

almost crushing. "Whether

brushed past Martin and headed into the

fingers on his knee. "Not even calling me godfather anymore.

the upstairs ward, Remington pushed open the door, and

some vitamin C tablets and sprinkle them on his shrimp.

rabbit every day, make him

Fiona and Mrs. Bernice Madden, clearly plotting

should feed him pears and duck; it's terrible for