Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz stood there, the towering figure of Remington engulfing her from behind, his arms wrapped around her in an intimate embrace. The crisp, woody scent of his cologne invaded her senses, making her acutely aware of their proximity.

She shifted uncomfortably, attempting to pull away. "I can handle it myself."

"Stay still. You won't get it clean properly. Don't you find it gross?" Remington's voice was a deep murmur, his gaze softening as he looked down at her.

Indeed, Liz found the situation repulsive, which explained her delayed reaction and why she had allowed him to pull her close in the first place.

But was he taking too long?

However, the thought of not being thoroughly clean, especially knowing it was Stella's vomit, made Liz relent. After all, her silk blouse clung to her skin, leaving her no choice but to let Remington help.

He squeezed some soap onto her sleeve, his movements gentle, perhaps sensing her impatience. "Don't move; it'll be just a moment."

Liz, momentarily caught off guard, watched him from the mirror. His focus remained solely on the task at hand, his body barely touching hers, as if to reassure her of his intentions.

tension eased, and

him meticulously scrubbing her sleeve, she bit her lip. "Aren't

her with a half-smile. "Ungrateful, aren't you? Do you really think

and affection, but he didn't let go. Once again, he had her

carefully rubbing the wet fabric between his fingers, he added, "Liz,

hint of suppressed melancholy and sadness.

call

and had taken her family's name back, becoming Lizetta Madden, after returning to the Madden family. Remington knew this, yet in

her through the mirror again. "Too hard to switch now. Can I

he should call her. It was

Remington to let go. He complied,

it off,"

moved to the hand dryer, the silk

her sleeve,