Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Cassius rushed forward, steadying Remington as they stood in the dimly lit stairwell. The man's handsome features were cold but unmistakably pale.

"Let go, I'm fine," Remington said, shaking off the dizziness and trying to wave Cassius away.

Cassius held on, insisting, "No way, Remi, you need to get checked out. Come on!"

He had heard from Cedric that Remington had been in a car accident during a thunderstorm, but he hadn't sought any medical attention or even rested since. This was a disaster waiting to happen. "Let go!" Remington frowned, his voice sharp.

Cassius ignored him. Remington's aura was agitated, and he made a move. The next second, Cassius was slammed against the wall, his cheek stinging, frustration boiling inside him.

"Damn me for meddling!" he cursed, turning around.

But then, his expression changed. "Remi!"

Remington, tall and imposing, suddenly collapsed.

An hour later, Remington was lying in a hospital bed, hooked up to an IV. The doctor diagnosed him with a concussion and stomach bleeding. He had regained consciousness quickly, now with a grim expression, reaching to remove the IV needle.Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.

Cassius gently held his shoulder,

earnestly persuading him. "Remi, I just checked. Jerome left after a short visit, and Lizetta's asleep right now. Even if you go there now, it won't make any difference. Just rest and finish these IVs, get well soon. We still need to follow up on some things, right?"

Thinking about what was to come, Remington paused, his expression softened, less agitated. "Call Ray in."

Seeing he was finally listening, Cassius left the room to find Ray and then headed towards Lizetta's room.

Upon entering, he found Lizetta

wasn't asleep. Yolanda was holding

a tablet, and Lizetta was video chatting with Mrs. Bernice Madden. Mrs. Madden wanted to visit the hospital, but Lizetta gently dissuaded her. The elder was already worried sick; Lizetta couldn't bear to trouble her further.

Nelson sat beside her, comforting Mrs. Madden. "Elsa needs her rest now; she'll join us once she's better."

Mrs. Madden replied, "Then I'll make lots of goodies for Elsa, and have Tangtang deliver them."

With Nelson's nod of agreement, Mrs. Madden brightened up, gesturing a sleeping pose to Lizetta. "Elsa, rest well."

Lizetta mimicked the gesture, ending the call. She glanced at Cassius, then said to Yolanda, "Yoli, I'm alright. You guys have things to do, don't stay on my account."

She thought Cassius was there for Yolanda, but Yolanda shook her head. "I'm free. My next audition's up in the air. I'll stay with you. We can't let any sleazy guys take advantage."

Cassius tsked, moving closer to the

bed. "That's not entirely fair. The

kid's Remi's too; his pain is no less It's not like he has

than yours. foresight he couldn't have known Hans would act that night. When he heard what happened, Remi rushed back. Sis, you might not know, but Remi was injured in a car accident that night. He just collapsed from it and is now getting treated too. His heartache is no less than yours..."

Cassius hoped Lizetta could understand Remington a bit more. If not offer him care, at least not be so cold.