Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

When Stella reached out, Remington stood up straight, sidestepping her gesture and pulling his hand from hers. "Here, wipe your face."

He handed her a wet wipe.

Touching her face, Stella felt the tear streaks and sat up awkwardly.

After she cleaned her face, it was like she finally snapped back to reality, her voice tinged with nervous guilt.

"Remington, where's my dad? Is he okay?"

Remington's brow furrowed slightly, a flash of irritation passing through his eyes.

"He's fallen ill, resting in the next room."

The police had just left when Martin collapsed.

That's why Remington had been delayed.

Stella's face filled with worry, and she tried to get out of bed but fell back weakly.

"Rest for now," Remington said sternly. "Your dad's condition has stabilized. The nurse will let you know when he wakes up."

Stella nodded obediently, her eyes wandering helplessly, tears falling as she spoke.

"Remington, with my dad like this, and my mom's funeral... I don't know what to do. Could you take care of it? Please, for my brother's sake?"

Her lip quivered, and seeing Remington silent, she began to cry again.

"I know my mom did terrible things, but death trumps all, doesn't it? Her sins should be wiped away with her passing. She may have wronged Lizetta, but she never wronged you. She always cared for you..." Traditionally, only sons or sons-in-law handle funerals.

Stella needed Remington to agree; it would mean he had truly moved on.

Barbara's death would be buried, and Stella didn't want to be scorned for having a murderer as a mother.

But Remington cut her off, his voice cold.

"Harming my wife and kid, and you say she hasn't wronged me?"

Stella froze, her hands flailing helplessly.

"No, that's not what I meant... I'm sorry, I didn't consider your feelings, that was thoughtless of me.

I just think my mom died regretful and guilty. If she knew you'd forgiven her, she'd rest in peace."

Remington was unyielding. "I can't forgive. I'm no saint. The most I can do is try not to hold a grudge."

Stella nodded silently, her expression desolate. Then, Martin's voice came from the door.

"Stella, let's keep your mom's funeral simple.dll handle it. I'm still here, no

need to bother Reming

bother Rent WhoThis content © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.

Stella quickly got off the bed and went to support Martin.

"Dad, you're awake? Are you okay?"

Martin seemed much older, his back hunched, the hospital gown hanging loosely on him.

He reassured Stella with a shake of his head, then looked at Remington with a sigh.

"Remington, I have just one uneasy request. Can we keep Luna's cause of death a secret? Stella was lost for so many years, and the rumors about her are already harsh. If

elné

Luna's cause of death comes out, how will Stella live, or find someone to marry?"

Tears fell from Stella's eyes. "Dad,

Cot afraid. I can bear it. If theret

I'm

it might even ease my

conscience..."

Remington's patience was thinning. "We won't make a spectacle of it."

Stella brightened, feeling that Remington still cared about her feelings.

But then he added coldly, "The companies' deep collaboration would suffer if this got out."

Any secret joy Stella felt was instantly doused in cold reality.

She hid her disappointment, looking up at Remington with gratitude.