Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption ( Lizetta )

"Breakfast, um..."

Liz had her speech all planned out, but standing under Remington's intense gaze, her mind blanked.

Just then, Cedric's stomach decided to join the conversation with a couple of loud, unmistakable grumbles.

Liz turned beet red, utterly mortified. Before she could muster any words, Remington, ever so direct, cut to the chase. "Enough with the chit-chat. Just go grab some breakfast, will ya?"

"Sure thing, boss." Cedric chuckled and hurried out.

"I'm feeling all weak, probably from the hunger. Liz, could you help me to the bathroom?"

Once Cedric was out, Remington turned to Liz with that request.

Liz hesitated. Given their current complicated relationship, how could she possibly...

But the moment Remington mentioned his hunger, guilt washed over her.

She reluctantly nodded and supported him towards the bathroom.

Inside the cramped space, Liz felt her whole body tense up. "You can manage on your own, right? I'll wait outside..."

Before she could finish, Remington's tall figure swayed.

Liz quickly steadied him, and he gave her a weak smile in return.

"Must be the fever causing dizziness and leg pain... I can't stand properly..."

Biting her lip, Liz thought, there's nothing I haven't seen before. What's the big deal?

She slightly turned, allowing Remington to lean on her back, and urged, "Hurry up!"

Remington's lips curved into a slight, triumphant smile.

He knew Liz all too well. She might appear soft but was actually quite reserved and valued her personal space.

Unless she had already accepted him in her heart, she wouldn't go to such lengths to care for him.

And he wouldn't miss this

opportunity to close the gap

between them, whether driven

her sense of guilt or a moment of vulnerability.

"Ouch..." He suddenly winced.

Liz turned around in concern. "What's wrong?"

"My zipper seems stuck. I tugged at it and might have pricked myself, but it's nothing..."

Liz frowned. "Let me check. Don't want it to be snagged."

Worried, she checked his hand that was supposed to be on IV, relieved to find it intact, she sighed. "Forget it, stand still. I'll do it."

After all, it was her who zipped him up in the car earlier. Helping him now shouldn't be...

Too much of an issue, right?

Unnoticed by Liz, her boundaries were gradually being eroded away by his excuses and reasons.

Blushing, she quickly fixed his pants and turned her back to him.

Remington longed for the days when their intimacy was seamless, intertwined with mutual understanding.

He felt no pressure at all, quickly

going about his business as Liz's et

cheeks grew even hotter, feeling things were spiraling out of control.

After helping Remington back to his bed, Liz barely caught her breath

about to grab a moment to herself

QUMS

while fetching him some water.

Before she could turn away, her wrist was caught in his grasp once more.

Liz turned back to meet Remington's intensely hopeful gaze.

"About that question earlier, you said you'd think it over. Have you come to a decision?"

Liz was speechless.

She felt like he was a charming siren, relentlessly pressing her without giving her a moment's respite.

"Liz, I'm not asking for much. Just give me a chance to pursue you. Is that too much to ask?"