Shattered Illusions Love Lies and Redemption (Lizetta and Remington) novel Chapter 1286

The late-night streets of Zion City were wide and empty. The car sped through the darkness, arriving at the hospital in just half an hour.

By then, the morning sun had begun to rise, as if signaling the end of their long nightmare.

Joy was resting in the pediatric ward. On the drive over, Remington had briefed Lizetta on the baby's condition.

She knew he hadn't suffered any major physical trauma, but that did nothing to ease her anxiety.

Her face was still pale as she burst into the room.

She was terrified that when the door opened, the bed would be empty—that this was all just another cruel hallucination.

She had suffered that exact nightmare far too many times.

The moment the door clicked open, she froze in her tracks and squeezed her eyes shut.

It wasn't until Fiona Dashiell's familiar, loving voice rang out that she dared to breathe.

"Liz is here. Come in, sweetheart."

Opening her eyes, Lizetta took in the room.

The VIP pediatric suite was warmly decorated, complete with playful stuffed animals and cartoon-themed bedding.

In the small hospital crib lay a tiny bundle, dressed in a light blue patient gown.

Sunlight spilled through the massive windows, bathing the little boy.

His fine, soft hair glowed with a golden halo. Fiona sat by the bed, her wrinkled hand gently stroking the baby's head.

The scene was peaceful and perfect. It didn't vanish. It didn't blur.

"Don't just stand there, come look! Our little Joy has gotten even more handsome."

Fiona waved her over. Standing right behind Lizetta, Remington gently squeezed her shoulder.

Snapping out of her daze, she practically ran to the crib. Unable to hold back a second longer, she leaned over and scooped the sleeping baby into her arms, holding him flush against her chest.

But Lizetta hadn't forgotten the bullet hole in his shoulder.

She caught his wrist, took the towel from him, and looked up.

"You're hurt. Stop moving around and go lie down over there."

Right next to the crib was a full-sized hospital bed. Whether it was standard for pediatric suites to include a bed for parents...

...or whether Remington had specifically ordered it so he could stay in the same room as his son, she didn't know.

Prompted by Lizetta's urging, Fiona noted Remington's pallor and chimed in.

"Hurry up and lie down. Liz and I are trying to talk, and you're just standing there being an eyesore."

Remington clicked his tongue. "Grandma, I'm wounded. Shouldn't you show a little more appreciation for the grandson who bled to bring your precious great-grandson back?"

Fiona scoffed. "Joy is your son. A father bleeding for his child is the bare minimum! If you hadn't failed to protect him in the first place, I wouldn't have had to wait this long to cuddle my precious boy!"