Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

She was still trapped in the throes of grief after losing her child.

He just wanted to be there for her, to help her through it.

"No! Grandma, you're overthinking it. She wouldn't do that. Postpartum depression needs love and support, and I'm here for her. She wants to stay here. She's asleep now, but when she wakes up, you can ask her yourself."

"You bring Liz back here, or I'm not leaving this spot!" Grandma demanded, but Remington simply hung up on her the next second.

Fiona went pale, while Tina quickly tried to console her, helping Grandma back onto the hospital bed.

"What's the use in being stubborn now after all this? It's just making things worse!"

On the top floor of the hospital, Martin was practicing tai chi by the floor-to-ceiling windows, while Stella sat on a couch nearby, applying ointment to her neck, which bore the clear marks of Remington's grip, likely from burst capillaries, causing a stinging pain.

"Remington's been so harsh because of that woman, Lizetta. Dad, do you think he'll even want to marry me now?"

She put down the mirror, looking towards Martin.

Martin chuckled, "He's just lost a child; it's normal to be filled with hatred now. But men are selfish, fickle creatures. They can handle a woman's tantrums temporarily but not in the long run. Once he and Lizetta are fully over, you just need to be kind and understanding, fill the void. With the passionate memories of your youth, you'll have him in the palm of your hand soon enough."Copyright by Nôv/elDrama.Org.

Stella's heart fluttered at his words, a dreamy smile spreading across her face.

Martin looked at her dismissively, "What, you're actually in love with him?"

Stella turned, meeting Martin's intense gaze, her face turning pale as she shook her head.

"How could I be, Dad? I always remember, he's the reason my brother and mom are gone! How could such a man deserve happiness?"

Martin stared at Stella, noncommittal, just as the door to the hospital room burst open.

The lead doctor came in, followed by staff. Martin ceased his tai chi, smiling inquiringly as the doctor spoke up.

"Mr. and Miss West, please proceed with the discharge formalities and leave the hospital immediately."

"What do you mean?" Stella stood up.

"It means Mr. West is fit for

discharge, and there's no need to stay in the hospital. As for the West family's young master, he needs urgent heart surgery. Unfortunately, our specialist for such surgeries has just left the country for an exchange program and won't be back soon. To not delay treatment, we advise you to transfer hospitals as quickly as possible. Please, make your arrangements to leave."

The doctor left, his attitude starkly different from before.

Not to mention Martin's condition, Evelina's premature baby indeed had a congenital heart defect that required Constant monitoring in an incubator. Suddenly claiming the doctor had left the country seemed too convenient, a clear sign they were being pushed out.

And Dashiell Hospital being the most prestigious private facility in Zion City, where the elite and wealthy Received care, being ejected like this would soon become the talk of the town, showcasing the West family's fall from grace with the Dashiell family.

How could this be happening?

Stella, in a panic, chased after the doctor, "Dr. Isaac, is this Remington's doing? This is neglect! We could file a complaint!"

"Miss West, feel free to do so."

The doctor left swiftly, not even looking back.

Nurses began to clear the room, forcibly making space.

Stella was livid, but within half an hour, she and Martin were embarrassingly escorted out of the hospital.