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."

a swift gesture, he shook her off, causing her to stumble backward, nearly

just chosen to remember their past bond, to indulge her. But

stepped forward, supporting Stella, his voice laced with suppressed

You and Quinn grew up together, like brothers. Stella has gone through hell for you. Even if you're grieving and suspicious of everything, it's unfair to pin baseless

Wests were really involved, why would I have called you that night to get you

to clear their

gaze on Martin was heavy, almost crushing. "Whether it's baseless or

brushed past Martin and headed

got into the car with Stella, tapping his fingers on his knee. "Not even

reaching the upstairs ward, Remington pushed open the door, and

sprinkle them on his shrimp. Poison

celery and rabbit every day, make him

to Fiona and Mrs. Bernice Madden, clearly plotting against someone - undoubtedly

voice joined in. "All bad ideas. We should feed him pears and duck; it's terrible for the kidneys. What