Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta picked up the phone to find Jerome on the other end, just as she'd guessed, still at the restaurant.

After she filled him in, Jerome didn't hesitate. "I'll head to the hospital right now."

"No need," Lizetta hurried to say, "we're almost there. You keep on with what you're doing, and I'll call you if anything changes."

Jerome, understanding her preoccupation, simply reminded her to keep in touch before hanging up.

Despite Lizetta's insistence, Jerome wasn't about to stay away.

He knew well enough that the Gardenia family hadn't always been kind to Lizetta, except for her brother Thaddeus, who truly cared for her.

Previously, when Lizetta had been taken back to the Madden household, Jerome had attempted to negotiate with Remington to move Thaddeus to Tranquil Meadows. However, Thaddeus's medical team, hired

by Remington, had shown promising signs of improvement, and the Maddens didn't dare risk changing doctors, fearing it might disrupt his recovery.

In the end, Thaddeus remained at the Dashiell Hospital, with the Madden family covering a hefty monthly medical bill.

For the past four months, it had mostly been Remington looking after Thaddeus.

Lizetta would be incredibly grateful to

thoughts, Jerome quickened his pace to the hospital

At the hospital...

raced to Thaddeus's room, only to see Zora, rubbing her eyes, coming

formed in Lizetta's throat, her legs turning

by Remington, who had followed

steadied Lizetta, his voice filled with concern as he turned

you worry!" Zora exclaimed, realizing Lizetta's pale face. "It's good news! Mr. Gardenia woke up, really

had cared for Thaddeus

ared for

of him. Witnessing his awakening felt like being part of a medical

of relief

indeed gathered around Thaddeus, conducting

the bed, her heart sinking as

but there was no response, and tears began

wrapped an arm

her