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."

"How can you say that? It was my mess that led Wendy right to your brother's room. Offering an apology is the decent thing to do." Lizetta was speechless.

She knew him well enough to question when he had started to care so much about propriety.

Seeing her silent and without words, Remington tightened his grip on her hand.Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

The warmth from his palm was intense, and in the closeness of their intertwined hands, sweat started to form, making their palms slick. Finally, Lizetta looked up at him, his eyes already waiting to catch hers, a smile lurking in his deep gaze.

"Still mad about that kiss earlier?"

Bringing it up in the confined space only heightened the awkwardness and the unspoken tension between them.

Lizetta tried to pull her hand away again, but Remington's grip was firm, insisting, "But it wasn't really a forceful kiss, was it? I did give you a heads-up."

Lizetta looked at him, bewildered. "When did you..."

She paused, remembering the text he had sent her the night before.

He had misunderstood a situation with Jerome, texting her about wanting to kiss her next time they met.

Lizetta was furious, "Are you being a scoundrel? You..."

Before she could finish, Remington leaned in closer, their noses almost touching as he caught her gaze with his earnest look.

"So, once again, I sincerely apologize. I'm sorry."

He suddenly moved closer, their

noses almost brushing, leaving Lizetta unsure if he was apologizing

or looking for another chance to kiss her.

Yet, seeing his genuinely apologetic demeanor made her anger seem petty and overblown.

Especially considering that Thaddeus had just woken up thanks to Remington's care.

And through the ordeal with Shirley's family, Remington had stood by her side from start to finish.

Lizetta's anger slowly subsided, but she couldn't help suspecting that Remington was once again playing a strategic retreat.

"How come you're so good at playing the weak card now?"

She leaned her head back, "Apologize all you want, just keep your distance."

"An apology should be given face to face. What are you afraid of? Me kissing you again? Or is it that you're afraid you'll stir up some physical memory and won't be able to resist kissing me?"

Lizetta was speechless, "Neither. You're just too close, your face is huge!"

She mocked him, but perhaps due to the closeness, the teasing warmth of his breath brushed her lips, making her heart skip a beat.

She blamed that momentary flutter on discomfort, not a thrill.