Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Martin slumped by the bed, his face streaked with tears, a picture of grief.

The officer quickly checked the scene, then walked over to Remington with a grave expression. "It appears to be cyanide poisoning. The syringe and a note were prepared in advance. She's gone."

"Mom! Dad, what happened to mom? Why? You were with her, weren't you? How did this happen?"

Stella stumbled into the room, grabbing Barbara's hand and sobbing as she questioned Martin.

Martin rubbed his face, filled with regret, and said, "I went to the closet to fetch a dress for your mom. She wanted to look around our house one last time. When I left her, she was just dusting off our family portrait..."

"Mom! Mom, please, say something to me!"

As Stella shook Barbara, Martin calmed down and gently pulled Stella aside. "Stella, let's let your mom go in peace. This was her choice."

Stella covered her face, weeping, and staggered towards the doorway where Remington stood.

Her face was pale, tears rolling down her cheeks. "Remington, my mom is gone. I don't have a mom anymore. Liz must be satisfied now, right?"

She gave a bleak smile, her expression one of utter despair, then suddenly her eyes closed, and she collapsed towards Remington.

Remington frowned slightly, catching Stella in his arms instinctively.

Downstairs, Lizetta, anxious and accompanied by Ray, had just reached the scene. What she saw was Remington, holding a frail Stella in his arms, his gaze filled with concern.

Lizetta stopped in her tracks, then abruptly turned and walked back downstairs.

"Ma'am..."

Ray's voice made Remington look back, catching a glimpse of Lizetta's retreating figure. His brow furrowed deeply.

He handed Stella over to a nearby officer and hurried after Lizetta.

Lizetta, visibly pregnant, was slowly descending the stairs.

Remington caught up with her in a few strides, grabbing her arm as he tried to explain, "Barbara took her own life. Stella is in shock..."

Lizetta struggled lightly, her tone cold. "You don't need to explain anything to me."

Remington's eyes darkened, his grip tightening unintentionally as he spoke harshly, "Liz, Barbara is dead! It's time to put this to rest."

Indeed, there's an end even to killing.

Barbara admitted her guilt, and now she was gone. What more could be done?

Holding onto it would be unreasonable, lacking compassion.

And though Remington didn't say it outright, his words implied as much.

Lizetta scoffed, nodding. "Now that the murderer's mother is dead, no one can cover for Stella's crimes

or

fight over men for her. Such a pity, she's to be pitied.

But

havere divorced now. I've

handed you over, no need for h

Mr. Dashiell, please,

back and take good care

sw

"Lizetta!"

Remington's face turned stormy, veins on his forehead standing out sharply.

Lizetta, pained by his grip, didn't respond but instead forcefully pried his fingers off one by one.

Remington pressed his lips together, struggling to control his emotions.

He didn't want to let go until he saw the pained expression on her pale face.

He suddenly released her, and Lizetta instinctively patted the area he had gripped before turning to leave.

Her disdainful gesture made Remington's handsome face darken further.

At that moment, the officer in

charge of the investigation caught up, needing Remington's input for the next steps now that Barbara was deceased.

Remington had no choice but to instruct Ray, "Take her home."

Ray hurried after Lizetta, while outside the West family home, several police cars remained, the area cordoned off with police tape.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.