Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 481

"Remington, come on in. Mom and Dad are waiting for you," Stella said with a smile, stepping forward to loop her arm through his.

Remington deftly sidestepped her advance, closing the car door himself, and replied with a nod, "Congratulations. Let's head inside."

Stella's attempt to link arms fell short, and withdrew her hand; she didn't seem disturbed. Lifting her face, she said with a smile.

"I hope you don't find it silly, but it's been ages since I've been to anything like this. My memories of these events are so hazy; I'm actually quite nervous. I'm so glad you're here, though. Seeing you makes me feel a bit more at ease."

Chatting away, they entered the villa.

The guests hadn't quite filled up the place when Martin, supporting Luna, came over. The couple was glowing, and even Luna looked much better, not needing her wheelchair today.

"Remington, you made it. Could you please escort Stella for the entrance?" Barbara asked pleadingly, holding onto Remington's arm with a hopeful look.

"Godmother, for something this important, it's better if Godfather escorts Stella."

Stella looked down, her spirits dampened by his refusal.

"Remington, I twisted my ankle a few days ago. Trying to navigate those stairs might end up being a bit awkward. We wouldn't want to embarrass Stella, would we?" Martin chimed in.

Remington noticed Martin's difficulty in walking with his left foot and frowned slightly.

"The plan is for Mr. West to escort Ms. West down the grand staircase under the spotlight. But with Mr. West's ankle, the stairs might prove challenging," the butler explained.

Stella, noticing Remington's reluctance, quickly said, "Dad, if Remington doesn't want to, let's not pressure him. Maybe I can manage on my own. It's just I'm nervous about possibly tripping up. It's my first time wearing such high heels, and walking in them feels so awkward. If only my brother were here, he would stay with me."

Remembering Quentin's regret-filled departure, Remington looked at the anxious Stella and said, "I'll be by your side."

Stella's eyes lit up.

Ten minutes later, as guests started to fill the venue, Stella sat before the makeup artist for final touches, aiming for perfection. Her gaze, however, was fixed on the man lounging on the sofa nearby through the mirror.

Dressed in a sleek black suit that highlighted his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long legs, which were crossed, he sat with an air of effortless nobility, his hand fiddling with the phone. His casual pose belied an innate grace, making him the focal point of female desires and conquests alike.

Stella had been cautious these days, hiding her intentions, but now her desire was harder to mask. She bit her lip, smiling.

"Remington, could you get me an orange candy? I'm still a bit nervous."

As a kid, Stella was used to having candies to cope with nervousness.

Looking up, Remington met her gaze in the mirror; her playful wink was all too clear. The deliberate flirtation was unmistakable even to a man not easily swayed.

His hand, playing with the phone, paused; he locked eyes with Stella for a moment before standing up.