Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

“You’re far too grand to settle for being a dog; after all, you’re aiming to be a

backstabber.”

Lizetta pushed Remington’s hand away, opened the door, and left, fearing that another second’s delay would land them on the front page of the society.

news.

Lizetta stepped out of the hospital room, with Remington following. Joseph, who had been facing the wall, started to speak with a trembling voice.

“I’m wrong, I’m so wrong. I really messed up.” Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Remington walked over, and Joseph straightened up even more, stealthily pinching his thigh to force out a string of tears on his cheek.

“Brother, I’m sorry. I’m willing to go apologize to Ms. Hawthorne. Can you please not be so angry? You’re so busy, and I’ve only added to your worries by getting sick. I’m really thoughtless.”

He swayed a bit as he spoke.

Remington sat down on the couch, “Legs gone numb?”

Joseph, facing the wall, made a triumphant little face – the experiences taught by Liz were the most useful; his brother had softened.

But just as he was ready to collapse onto the bed, he heard Remington add.

“If you’re that useless, stand for two more hours.”

Joseph???

After leaving the hospital room, Lizetta still made a visit to the hematology department.

The doctor said he’d be right over, so Lizetta first returned to the ward to grab a first–aid kit from the nurse’s station to treat Remington’s wound.

She had been wondering if Remington was deceiving her and that his wound had already healed. But when the bandage was unwrapped, it was truly bloody and showed no signs of healing.

Lizetta frowned as she disinfected and applied medicine, feeling both heartbroken and furious.

“You got yourself injured and still insisted on carrying someone. She hurt her hand, not her legs!”

Remington looked down, “How do you know this wound came from carrying her, and not from when you pushed me earlier?”

Lizetta’s heart soured and she nearly broke the cotton swab in anger.

“Yes, of course, if there’s a mistake, it must be mine. What fault could she possibly have? She’s just a fragile, helpless, poor thing.”

Hearing her sarcasm, Remington for some reason felt a bit like laughing.

He raised his hand and gently touched Lizetta’s head.

“That’s not what I meant.”

Lizetta disdainfully turned her head away and looked up.

“What do you mean then?”

Remington’s deep gaze seemed to harbor emotions Lizetta couldn’t quite discern, his lips curving slightly as he said,

“I mean, be a little kinder to me.”

Lizetta thought they were arguing, but out of nowhere, he threw her a

curveball.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she froze.

Just then, Cedric knocked and brought the doctor in.

Lizetta stood up and moved aside as the doctor came forward to examine the

wound and asked,

“It doesn’t look too bad; it should be healing. The medication has been applied on time, and there hasn’t been a reinjury, has there?”

Remington glanced at Cedric without betraying any emotion, and Cedric immediately responded.

“Yes, everything’s been done strictly according to medical advice. The president has never had this issue with past injuries.”

The doctor pondered for a moment, “Well, let’s take a blood sample for test.”

He instructed the nurse, who quickly completed the blood draw.

Lizetta anxiously asked, “When can we expect the results?”

“Tomorrow.”

Lizetta nodded, then heard the doctor add,

“What’s with the injury on that wrist?”

Following the doctor’s words, Lizetta saw the bite mark on Remington’s other wrist, partially hidden under his shirt cuff.

That was from when Lizetta had bitten him in the mall.

Remington turned his wrist to hide the bite mark and said,

“Bitten by a cat, it’s a minor injury, no need for a checkup.”

The doctor didn’t get a clear look and laughed, “Well, that’s one strong little kitty. Just remember to clean the wound and get vaccinated.”

Lizetta, the strong “kitty” with biting wit.

Remington’s gaze swept over Lizetta as her cheeks began to flush, and he nodded.

“Strong indeed, fortunately, it’s a domestic cat, immune since she was little, so no rabies shots needed.”

The doctor left with the nurse, and Cedric followed them out.

On the hospital bed, Joseph had fallen asleep without anyone noticing.

The man leaned back on the sofa with a slightly weary expression, his tie loosened. The defined line of his throat was bathed in light and shadow, with the cold white of his skin reflecting light, spreading to his sexy collarbones.

His appearance was indeed blessed, but a pretty facade that couldn’t hide a black heart.

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Lizetta glared at him, “You’re the cat!”

Remington tugged her, and Lizetta, losing her balance; plopped down onto his

lap.

She struggled to get up, but Remington spoke up.

“Don’t move, or you’ll tear my wound again.”

Lizetta froze, and Remington wrapped his arms around her.

“All these wounds were from protecting you, and now they won’t heal properly, making everything inconvenient. Let’s forget about the lost wages and medical expenses. Just move back to take care of me. That’s not too. much to ask, is it?”

Lizetta’s eyes fixed on his bloody wound; she hesitated, then relaxed.