Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington fixed his icy gaze on her, voice laced with a chilling edge, "Are you suggesting someone framed you? You knew Liz was planning to leave and you told me it wasn't you. Then who else could it be?" Stella's voice broke as she choked up, "I didn't... Do you really see me as such a vile person in your heart? I genuinely don't know how things turned out this way!

Maybe someone overheard my conversation with Liz and decided to pin the blame on me. Maybe Liz had told someone else about her plans to leave."

"But the person who chased after Liz abroad was your cousin, Ralap!" Remington said coldly.

Stella's lips trembled, a look of disbelief spreading across her face as if struck by terror, her grip on her suitcase loosening until it dropped to the ground with a loud thud.

"It can't be! How could it..."

Lizetta, gently rubbing her belly, thought how if it weren't for Remington's timely arrival, Daisy would have certainly been in danger. She felt a surge of anger towards Stella, wishing she could slap some sense into her.

"Stella, do you really think a few tears can wash away the situation that has unfolded?"

Yet, Stella, with tears welling up in her eyes, turned to Lizetta, "Liz, I know my actions spoiled your wedding, and you hold resentment towards me. But you can't wrong me like this; it's like sentencing me to death!"

Just then, a weary voice broke the tension.

"Remington, stop badgering Stella, she knows nothing! If you have questions, direct them at me."

Lizetta turned to see the maid pushing Barbara forward.

Barbara was covered with a blanket over her legs, her complexion pale and waxy, her hair gray and thin, looking every bit the part of fragility.

Lizetta felt a chill run down her spine despite Barbara's pitiful appearance, sensing something sinister.

Remington drew her closer, his brows furrowed, his gaze cold and pained as he stared at Barbara.

Stella, gasping for breath, widened her eyes and rushed over to kneel in front of the wheelchair.

"Mom, what are you saying? Are you spouting nonsense? How could this involve you? It can't be... Mom, please don't scare me!"

Barbara grasped Stella's hand, looking towards Remington.

"That day, when Stella came home, she casually mentioned that there seemed to be trouble between you and Lizetta. Lizetta had even approached her, hoping she could help her escape.

Stella asked me if she should tell you. My daughter has suffered so much, and finally, when she comes back, you've moved on, your heart changed!

Yet, my daughter still consideredNôvelDrama.Org owns this text.

your happiness above all, foolishly

wanting to bless your love. Why

should she? I told Stella not to

meddle too much in your affairs and

managed to convince her.

But I wanted to fulfill my daughter's wish, so it was I who reached out to Lizetta and arranged for her to leave the country. Stella knew nothing about this!"

Stella's tears fell in torrents, collapsing onto Barbara's lap.

"Mom, you're lying, right? How could you do such a thing..."

Barbara bowed her head, stroking Stella's hair.

"Stop crying, my dear. I knew you're too kind-hearted. If you knew, you would have stopped me, so I kept it from you."

Barbara then looked up at Remington.

"Remington, it was Lizetta's choice

to leave. I merely facilitated her departure. As her godmother, all I wanted was to prevent you two from ending up resentful towards each other. You may not understand my intentions, and that's fine.

But this whole situation started with your wife; she was the one planning to escape. I merely assisted her. How can Stella be blamed for any of this? She's innocent."