Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Outside the hospital room stood two figures.

It was Martin and Stella.

Martin said, "Remington, your godmother pulled through, and she begged me to save Quinn's child. I've also consulted the doctor, and although the kid has congenital issues, he can survive. The Wests will spare no effort to save this child."

Remington frowned in silence while Stella looked downcast, handing him a medical report.

"Remington, this is my full medical check-up. The doctors said the years I spent locked up in a dark place and being abused have caused serious damage to my body. I might never be able to have children. My brother's child might be the only hope for the West family. Please."

Remington clenched the health report, his brows furrowed deeply.

A throbbing pain pulsated in his temples. He lowered his gaze, tiredness and irritation flashing through his eyes.

Remington returned to Oakridge Heights late at night.

He pushed open the bedroom door to find it pitch dark, with Lizetta sleeping peacefully on the large bed.

He remembered how, no matter when he returned or how late it was, there would always be a lamp left on in the room.

A dim light.

He had always thought it was because Lizetta, like when she was a child, was afraid of the dark. But now, he suddenly understood.

It was a light she had left for him.

He hadn't cherished it, and now she even extinguished that light.

She was no longer waiting for him.

Remington paused at the door, then slowly walked to the bedside.

The figure under the covers was curled up, her arms crossed in front of her chest, even in sleep, her hands were clenched into tight fists.

It was a sleeping position of someone who was feeling extremely insecure.

As a child, she used to sleep like this for a while.

Occasionally waking up in the middle of the night, Remington would adjust the little girl's body and painstakingly pry open her tightly clenched hands.

It took a long time to correct her sleeping posture.

Now, her current sleeping position felt like a silent slap to Remington's face.

It made him feel that all his past care was in vain. Overnight, she had withdrawn her trust and dependence on him, retreating into her shell.

But he wouldn't let go, even if he had to shatter her shell, he'd keep her by his side!

His eyes darkened as he bent down to grasp Lizetta's hand and gently pry open her fingers. After placing her hand back under the covers, he turned and left the room to wash up in the guest bedroom.

As the door closed, Lizetta opened her eyes, rubbed her hands against the sheets in annoyance, and then rolled over to continue sleeping.

The next day, Yolanda was transferred to a regular ward and was in decent spirits.

Lizetta told Yolanda about everything that had happened to her after Yolanda got injured yesterday.

Yolanda, leaning back on the hospital bed, cursed Remington out.

"If he had to pick up Stella, he could've at least told you. Who does he think he's disgusting with this act? And he still won't divorce? He might as well go to hell!"

Lizetta scoffed.

"That anonymous letter exposing Eileen as a fake, he thought I wrote it. He believes I can't stand the West family, so of course, he wouldn't tell me about finding Stella because he thought I'd stop him from saving her, maybe even sabotage the effort."

That's what Lizetta had figured out after thinking about it all day.

Remington had never trusted her, he was even guarding against her.

It's pointless. This marriage is already riddled with holes, and there's no need to persist.

"I'm so angry! What a jerk!"

Yolanda gritted her teeth, then spoke of Stella again.

"Liz, there's something about Stella, trust me. 've seen all kinds of fakers in the entertainment industry. Her hand deformity didn't happen just yesterday. How could she not know it would scare the kids?

et Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Look at Eileen, she always wore gloves to cover it up. If someone sees it, she could handle it calmly. There are so many people with disabilities out in the world, but none of them are like her. Intentionally revealing her disability and then acting distressed to draw more attention? She's definitely putting on a show for Remington, I'm telling you!"