Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

"Remington... What are you talking about? Why would I intentionally get caught in the rain?"

Stella's eyes flickered with panic for a moment before she feigned innocence and surprise, shaking her head.

Remington's lips curled into a mocking smile as he pulled up a photo on his phone to show her.

That night, he had brought Stella from a small countryside village to stay temporarily at a local's house in town. The photo was taken by the woman of the house, who found Stella's behavior odd. In the photo, Stella's slender figure stood under the pouring rain, leaving her no room for denial.

"Remember now?" Remington said coldly.

Thinking back to how he missed the wedding just to bring Stella back, and realizing all of this was a deliberate act by her, Remington could barely contain his anger.

His gaze was sharp as a blade, making Stella's face turn pale as she tried to explain.

"No, no, that's not it, Remington. I just couldn't believe I was actually being rescued. I was afraid it was all a dream, so I ran out into the rain to feel the reality of it... You have to believe me!" Stella stepped forward, earnestly looking at Remington and reaching out to touch his arm.

However, Remington stepped aside, scoffing.

Just a moment ago, you couldn't remember

tears forcefully, the smooth scar from a severed finger mingling with her tears, making her look

won't believe? In your eyes,

do you think?" His voice

up, bit her lip, and

as kids, the trust and dependence we had on each other when we were kidnapped and

Remington's lips were tightly

didn't want

from the

time the Wests

gains, that would have been enough

him to marry Stella, and likely, they wouldn't stop there but aim to

can't just pin baseless suspicions on the Wests because I love

suddenly became agitated, crying out in indignation

remained unmoved, his

hope I never find