Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Cedric had this thought until they reached the hospital, but it quickly vanished when he saw Remington's knee, swollen and bruised beneath the rolled-up leg of his jeans.

Toothache.

It was terrifying. Another kneel and his leg would be done for.

Lizetta felt a tug in her heart at the sight, her gaze wavering.

The doctor was treating it, frowning in confusion.

"Family of the patient, how did he get this injury? It looks serious. Move it around for me, see if we need to take an X-ray..."

The doctor looked up at Lizetta, who hesitated, unsure of what to say.

She couldn't possibly say it was from kneeling.

"Ahem, just... bumped it, an accident."

"Bumped into something to get this? Just to be cautious, I'd recommend an X-ray..."

Before the doctor could finish, Remington, receiving IV fluids on the bed, interjected.

"It's not from a bump, no need for an X-ray."

Saying so, the man flexibly bent his knee a few times, convincing the doctor to leave it at that given his mobility and nonchalant demeanor.

But the doctor was still curious. If it wasn't from a bump, then how did it happen?

The middle-aged doctor wanted to ask more but met Remington's cool gaze and instantly held his tongue.

Yet, he thought he understood how it happened.

Young folks these days, so easily embarrassed. What's the big deal? He was young once too.

Hadn't he also "knelt before the keyboard" in his day?

After applying some bruise ointment, the doctor left. Remington, now hooked to an IV, looked less flushed but more pale and tired.

Lizetta told him to rest, and seeing him quickly fall asleep, she stepped out to talk to Cedric.

"Cedric, could you please look after him? We're not far from Maple Cottage. I've asked the staff to prepare a nutritious breakfast. 4'll go fetch it and change my clothes."

en

Lizetta had spent the previous night in the car, staying up with Remington on the mountain.

Her clothes were dirty.

Cedric agreed, and Lizetta left the hospital.

After a quick shower and a change of clothes at home, she hurried downstairs.

The breakfast was already on the table, prepared by the staff. Lizetta ate quickly, finishing in about fifteen minutes.

She grabbed the insulated food container and was heading out when Yolanda, stretching lazily, came down the stairs.

Seeing her, Yolanda quickly said, "Liz, where were you last night? You didn't come home!"

She rushed down the stairs, reaching Lizetta in a few steps.

Lizetta, thinking about the mess with

Remington, didn't know where to start. And with Yolanda's

scrutinizing gaze, she felt

overhe

inexplicably guilty.

If Yolanda knew she had stayed with Remington all night...

Yolanda would probably be heading to the kitchen for a knife right now.

"I did come back; it was just late, and you were already asleep."Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

"Really? But I was back from the studio late at night after shooting an ad."

Lizetta struggled to maintain her composure, quickly saying, "I came back around that time too, maybe just ten or twenty minutes after you."

Yolanda seemed convinced and then shifted the conversation.

"Your brother... I mean, Mr. Madden, he actually set up a few dates for me! Should I go?"

Lizetta, eager to leave, still cared about Yolanda's issues.

"Of course, go! Why not? My brother's recommendations are always spot-on. And it's not like you're only chasing fame;

"gett Won'tet

interfere with dating or getting married. Not just go, but dress up nicely. Who knows, your Mr Right might be among them."