Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Remington's shoulder had taken a hit from a billboard's steel frame, leaving a nasty wound. After the doctor patched him up and left a tube of ointment for the bruising on his back, he hurried out, leaving Liz and Remington alone in the room.

"Mrs. Dashiell, just apply this to Mr. Dashiell's bruise, rub it in well, and it should do the trick. I've got other patients to attend to, so I'll be leaving now."

Before Liz could utter a word, the doctor was gone, and the door clicked shut behind him.

Remington glanced at Liz, who, without any fuss, grabbed the ointment and approached him. She stood behind him, unscrewing the cap of the tube and began applying the ointment to his back.

His back was a canvas of swelling reds and purples, a sight that was hard to stomach.

The moment her fingers made contact, Remington stiffened slightly, prompting Liz to pause.

"Does it hurt? Haven't you applied any ointment before?"

Only then did Remington relax a bit; a slight smile played on his lips as he looked back at her.

"You've been neglecting me."

tone was unexpectedly tinged

If you had just listened to Grandma, none of this would have happened!" Suddenly, Remington turned around and gripped Liz's

her, he softly said, "Liz, you still care about me,

respond; her lashes fluttered slightly as she

do. The doctor said to rub it in well; it might hurt a bit,

the panic in her eyes, Remington couldn't help but let a smile flicker

ahead, Mrs. Dashiell, and thank you," he said, straightening his back for her

to vigorously rub the severely bruised areas. The initially cool ointment gradually heated up under

Remington felt no pain, and his heart

in her words; despite her protests,

truly felt nothing, she would

smile to

behind him, paused momentarily and remained

talk about this now. Can you please

but it was clear

time. When you're ready to forgive me, we'll have a grand wedding to overshadow all these bad memories."