Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Lizzy's expression stiffened slightly, and seeing this, Thad noticed something was off and glanced towards Remington.

"What's up? You two haven't thought about it yet?"

Thad figured his sister was happily married, so having a child seemed like the next logical step, especially since Lizzy had been out of college for a while now.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Remington's hand found its way back to Lizzy's waist, pulling her closer into his embrace as he addressed Thad.

"Of course, we've talked about it. I couldn't be more thrilled at the idea, but I also deeply respect Liz's wishes."

Thad nodded in approval, his gaze softening even more as he looked at Remington.

Then Remington, lowering his voice, whispered in Lizzy's ear, "What do you think about having one?"

But Lizzy tensed up, shooting Remington a look that clearly said 'back off."

Then she turned to Thad, "Big brother, my career hasn't even taken off yet. There's no rush for babies."

After a bit more conversation with Thad, the couple left the hospital room together. Remington kept his arm around Lizzy the entire time, not once letting go even as they walked far away from the room.

"Have you had your fill?" Lizzy quipped, feeling the warmth from Remington's hand through her sweater, an unusual heat creeping up her skin.

As they reached the elevator and the doors slid open, Remington didn't release her but instead pulled her closer, backing her into a corner of the elevator.

"What are you doing? There are cameras, be mindful of the impression you're making!"

Even though the elevator was empty, anyone could enter at any moment.

Surrounded by Remington's woody cologne and feeling the tension in his chest, Lizzy couldn't help the flutter in her heart.

With one hand against the elevator rail behind her, Remington's intense gaze locked onto her soft face, his voice husky, "Have you taken me off your blacklist yet? Am I, maybe, off that list in your heart too?"

He was eager to know if he had to escape the dreaded

blacklist in her heart, the list of those she found annoying and refused to deal with.

Bending slightly, his voice resonated in her ear, but his eyes were fixed on her blushing cheeks.

Lizzy's breathing was light, but it couldn't mask the rapid beating of her heart.

With her lips tightly pressed, she managed a firm tone, "Not at all, told you, I only reached out to you because I had something to ask. Don't flatter yourself, move!

Yet, her voice trembled at the end, her ears to her cheeks flushed with a beautiful crimson, far removed from her once icy disdain. "What if I want to be presumptuous? Lizzy, I was so happy last night, I barely slept. I couldn't wait to see you, that's why I came here..." Remington watched her tremble, his Adam's apple moving as he slowly leaned in.

"I want to kiss you, may I?"

A tiny initiative from her, and he was lost in wild thoughts, longing to kiss her, wanting more.

And to fiercely silence those heartless and contradictory words of hers.

His voice was low, filled with emotion and temptation. He moved closer slowly, his deep gaze locking onto her like a hawk.

He didn't want to force her, giving her a chance to accept or reject.

Their breaths mingled, lips inching closer and closer.

Just as they were about to merge, Lizzy suddenly turned her head away.

His warm lips brushed past the corner of her mouth, landing just at the tip of her ear, red as a drop of blood.