Shattered Illusions: Love, Lies, and Redemption

Cedric pulled the car up to the entrance of the cemetery, hopping out to open the rear door.

"Mrs. Dashiell, please join the boss in the back."

The front passenger seat was occupied by the giant teddy bear they had won at the diner last night.

"Sure."

Lizetta glanced over before helping Remington into the backseat, then slid in beside him.

No sooner had she closed the door than Remington wrapped his arms tightly around her waist, leaning heavily against her like an oversized, clingy koala. "Liz, I'm feeling really rough, just want to crash."

His voice was raspier and more indistinct than before, heavy with exhaustion.

Lizetta knew his fever must have worsened, compounded by the fact that he likely hadn't slept a wink the previous night.

She couldn't help feeling a pang of regret and concern. What was she thinking last night, letting things go as they did?

But with his clothes all damp, how could he possibly sleep like this? It would only make his illness worse.

"Cedric, does he have a change of clothes in the car?" Lizetta asked urgently.

Cedric, who was just about to buckle his seatbelt, paused and responded.

"Yes, yes, Mrs. Dashiell, one moment."

He got out of the car, retrieved a set of spare clothes from the trunk, and handed them to her.

"Mrs. Dashiell, could you help the boss change? There's a clean towel in there too."

Before Lizetta could respond, Cedric had closed the door and returned to the driver's seat, turning on the heater without another word.

Remington's clothes, merely cold to the touch when they first got in the car, now felt damp and chilly from the indoor warmth melting the frost.

Lizetta had no choice but to nudge Remington, "Remi, hold off on sleeping. We can't head to the hospital like this. Let's get you into some dry clothes first..."

Though feverish, Remington

seemed coherent enough. Roused

by her nudge, he opened his dark eyes focusing intently on her

"Help me change. I haven't got the strength..."

Seeing no alternative, Lizetta nodded agreement. "Alright, sit up for me."

However, Remington continued to gaze at her as if to make sure she wasn't deceiving him, that she wouldn't vanish as soon as he let go, leaving him alone and uncared for.

en

Finally, he slowly released his grip from around her waist and rested his heavy head back against the seat.

Lizetta exhaled in relief and leaned in to unbutton his suit jacket.

"Lift your arms, lean forward a bit, let's get this jacket off..."

Lizetta was quick and efficient, occasionally instructing Remington to assist.

Although his eyes were shut tight, he cooperated well, allowing her to easily remove his jacket and thin cashmere sweater. Feeling the inside shirt was also damp, Lizetta proceeded to unbutton his shirt.

As she reached for the tie, suddenly aware she hadn't removed it yet, she inadvertently met Remington's intense gaze.

He had opened his eyes at some point, and despite the fever, those eyes were piercing, clearly reflecting her image back at her.

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Lizetta's heart skipped a beat, her movements halting.

"Liz, undressing me - what exactly are you planning?"

Just as Lizetta thought he was fully alert, his gaze clouded over again, his voice hoarse but puzzled. Undressing him?

She was merely trying to get him into some dry clothes, something he had agreed to moments ago.

His sudden use of such suggestive language left Lizetta feeling somewhat embarrassed.

As if she were indeed taking advantage of his illness in some way.