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.

would

quickened his pace to the hospital and called Nelson

At the hospital...

to Thaddeus's room, only to

throat, her legs turning to

slightly, she was caught by Remington, who had followed

Remington steadied Lizetta, his voice filled with concern as he turned

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

cared for

ared for

Witnessing

of relief and disbelief, rushing

medical team was indeed

sinking

out, but there was

an arm

her worries with