Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Liz was visibly upset, and Remington could see he had gone too far. He quickly straightened up, his voice tinged with regret. "I'm sorry. Next time I'll make sure to ask for your permission before kissing you." He paused, then added, "In person."

Liz couldn't help but blush at his words, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink as she retorted, "Don't bother asking, because there won't be a next time!"

Just then, the elevator doors opened. She yanked her hand back and quickly exited the elevator, striding towards Thaddeus's hospital room without looking back to see if Remington was following.

Upon reaching the room and pushing the door open, Liz realized Remington was no longer behind her. She shrugged it off and closed the door.

She walked briskly to the bedside, where Zora had tidied up the mess. Thaddeus was still, and Zora mentioned, "Thaddeus tried to wake up when he heard the commotion earlier, but he couldn't manage it." Liz gently took Thaddeus's hand, reassuring him, "Bro, I'm fine. Just focus on getting better, take it slow."

The doctor had said Thaddeus was like an old machine slowly cranking back to life, so there was no immediate cause for worry now that he was awake.

Suddenly, the door opened again. Liz turned to see Remington reappear, this time holding a tube of ointment. He approached Liz, grabbing her hand. "Didn't you hurt your head? Let me apply some ointment."

by the window. Liz had forgotten about her injury until he mentioned it,

apply it myself," she said,

to sit down, and asked, "You got eyes on

speak up, Zora had already slipped out the door, eager to avoid

Remington's fingers gently parted

hair, and

moved her hair aside, revealing

I need

or it might get

the ointment, a cool sensation spread across her

Liz found herself looking at Remington's broad chest, the outline of his muscles

to distract herself,