Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizetta didn't linger in the hospital room for long, worried that Thaddeus might wake up if disturbed.

As soon as the commotion started inside, Lizetta stepped out.

Remington, in a low voice, gave Cedric a few instructions, leaving him to handle the situation before he turned to follow Lizetta.

Just as Lizetta quickly stepped into the elevator, a tall, lean figure squeezed in behind her.

The elevator doors slowly closed, and although the space was ample before, it now felt cramped to Lizetta, her mind flashing back to the kiss she had recently witnessed. She frowned, saying, "This is going up, Mr. Dashiell. Please take the next one down."

She reached out to press the open door button to send him on his way.

But her hand was caught mid-air by Remington, the elevator doors sealing shut, his fingers forcefully intertwining with hers.

Lizetta glared at him as his towering presence inched closer, backing her into a corner of the elevator.

He looked down, noticing her irritated expression, yet his voice carried a hint of amusement.

"Just now, I think I startled your brother. Let me come up with you to check on him."

"There's no need."

can you say that? It was my mess that led Wendy right to your brother's room. Offering an apology

him well enough to question when he had started to care so

words, Remington tightened his

warmth from his palm was intense, and in the closeness of their intertwined hands, sweat started to form, making their palms slick.

mad about

only heightened

but Remington's grip was firm, insisting, "But it wasn't really a forceful kiss, was it? I

looked at him, bewildered.

he had sent

her about wanting to kiss her next time they

was furious, "Are you being a scoundrel?

closer, their noses almost touching as

once again, I sincerely apologize. I'm

suddenly moved closer,

leaving Lizetta unsure

another chance

seeing his genuinely apologetic demeanor made her

Thaddeus had just woken up thanks to Remington's