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

to the hospital and called Nelson to update him

At the hospital...

raced to Thaddeus's room, only to see Zora, rubbing

formed in Lizetta's throat, her

caught by Remington, who

Lizetta, his voice filled with

exclaimed, realizing Lizetta's pale face. "It's good news! Mr. Gardenia woke up, really woke up! The doctors are checking on him

cared for Thaddeus

ared for

though they hadn't communicated much, she had grown fond of him. Witnessing his awakening felt like being part of a

mix of relief and disbelief, rushing into the

team was indeed gathered around Thaddeus, conducting

towards the bed, her heart sinking

but there was no

wrapped an

her