Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Barbara's outburst didn't catch Lizetta off guard.

That day, when she flat-out refused to enter the operating room, Lizetta could see her stubborn streak. But, she was still taken aback by Barbara's reaction.

Remington wrapped her in his arms, giving her shoulders a gentle pat before he spoke up, "You're overthinking this. Getting this bunch of flowers was my idea. My wife just helped pick them out and wrapped them up herself, to show we care."

Barbara collapsed onto the bed, breathing slightly heavily, her eyes, clouded with age, looked towards Remington.

"Remington, you're here to visit today, and you brought her along; what's the real message you're trying to send? Just spit it out." Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Remington let go of Lizetta's hand and stepped forward. He bent down, taking Barbara's frail hand in his, the one adorned with his wedding ring.

"Mom, you can feel it yourself, my wedding ring's always been on my finger, and my wife's always been by my side. She's carrying our child, and we've decided to call off the divorce. We're actually planning our wedding. Mom, I'm sorry. I can't keep the promise I made to you before."

Barbara touched the ring on Remington's finger, her hands trembling non-stop. She looked at Remington with sadness and disappointment, "Remington, you're always the one I knew who kept your word!" Remington, feeling guilty, held Barbara's hand tighter, "I'm sorry. I can promise you anything else, but not this. My wife and I love each other; we simply can't be apart."

As Remington said this and glanced back at Lizetta, although she knew his words were mainly for Barbara, meeting his gaze, and hearing him speak of their love and inability to separate made her heart

race uncontrollably, as if it would leap out of her throat.

His gaze, even for a moment, made her feel like his words were genuine, straight from the heart. Under his gaze, she blushed slightly.

She clasped her hands tightly, gathering all her courage to say clearly, "Mrs. West, I love my husband, and he respects you like a mother. I believe you wish for his happiness too, and I hope you can bless us." Barbara seemed utterly disheartened, suddenly releasing Remington's hand. She turned her head, reaching out beside her, searching for "Stella".

Remington glanced at Eileen, who hurried forward, taking Barbara's hand, "Mom, I'm here."

Barbara then clung to Eileen's arm, tears streaming down her face, lamenting, "Stella, my poor Stella, I'm sorry I can't fulfill my last wish for you before I go. I'm sorry."

Eileen, patting Barbara's shoulder, persuaded her at Remington's gesture, "Mom, I know you only want what's best for me, but just being back with you and dad already makes me very happy.

Besides, I can see that Remington and his wife truly love each other. I don't want to be the one who breaks them apart."

"Silly girl, you're still as kind-hearted as you were when you were little, always thinking of others before yourself, willing to suffer just so Remington wouldn't feel bad.

You gave your chance of escape to someone else, and took on all the suffering yourself. All these years, I can't bear to think how you've managed.

You're always so selfless, helping others with no thought for yourself. Who's there to help you? How can I rest easy? My heart aches for you!"

Her tears continued to flow from her clouded eyes, her face marked with illness, making her look all the more pitiful.

Every word was directed at "Stella", but they were also aimed at pricking Remington's conscience.

She mentioned Stella's sacrifices and the hardships she endured over the years, subtly implying that Lizetta had gained everything without effort, reaping what should have been Stella's. Lizetta felt uncomfortable, worried that Barbara's words would make Remington feel more distressed, more guilty.

She looked at Remington, only to see his brows furrowed deeply, his hands clenched so tight at his sides that veins were visible.