Chapter 8: Confession

Elizabeth's eyes fluttered open, and she let out a soft sigh. The pain, though still present, had dulled to a manageable ache since the last time she woke up.

The pungent scent of disinfectant filled her nostrils, a stark reminder of her hospital surroundings.

Elizabeth's eyes fell upon him, the person who had helped her the night before. Gratitude filled her heart as she stared.

She hadn't seen his face clearly after the accident happened but she remembered him being there when she was wheeled to the operating theatre.

*****

Sunrays sipped through the room, falling on his golden locks, which lay lazily on the side of his face. His eyelashes fluttered like a butterfly, the type that could put a woman to shame.

A weak smile spread across her features as she croaked out a hoarse "Hey"

Maverick stirred, having dozed off just minutes before. Exhaustion had caught up with him, and he couldn't keep his eyes open any longer. Now, he sat up straight, concern etched on his face.

"Hey, how are you feeling?" he asked,

his voice laced with worry. "Do you need water? Are you in pain anywhere? Should I call the doctor?"

" I'm fine," Elizabeth said, wincing slightly as she tried to sit up on the bed. Maverick quickly sprang into action, his hands moving with practiced ease as he adjusted the hospital bed to a more comfortable position.

His eyes, a deep, burnished brown, crinkled at the corners as he smiled reassuringly at her. "Take it easy, okay?" he said, his voice low and soothing.

As he helped her settle back against the pillows, Elizabeth couldn't help but notice the way Maverick's golden locks curled slightly at the nape of his neck or the way his black shirt accentuated his broad shoulders. She felt a flutter in her chest, and quickly looked away, trying to compose herself.

She turned again staring at him. He looked so tall, his striking features more prominent as the sun caressed his face. His strong jawline and sharp cheekbones, a testament to his rugged charm.

His eyes shone with warmth and kindness like the first hints of sunrise on a summer morning.

A sprinkling of stubble across his chin added a hint of rough-hewn allure, while his full lips carved into gentle smile, as if sharing a secret with the world.

The beeping of the hospital machines and the murmur of voices in the hallway faded into the background as Elizabeth's gaze lingered on Maverick's face.

Despite his imposing presence, he seemed approachable, his smile putting her at ease.

" Thank you for everything " she whispered.

Maverick chuckled lightly, his deep voice rumbling like thunder on a summer day. "You're welcome," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

Elizabeth's gaze met his, and she felt a jolt of electricity run through her veins. His eyes were like two warm pools of honey, drawing her in with their kindness and concern.

"Ahh, I forgot to ask for your name," Elizabeth said, her voice barely above a whisper. "What's your name? Mine is Elizabeth, Elizabeth Stone."

Maverick's smile faltered for a moment, and he looked away, his eyes drifting to the window. "Maverick Gus Flynn," he replied, his voice low and rough.

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Then I'll call you Gus, if that's okay with you."

Maverick's expression darkened, and he let out a low grunt of disgust. Elizabeth felt a pang of embarrassment, and her eyes dropped to the bed.

"I'm sorry," Maverick apologized, his voice softening. "I just don't like that nickname. I didn't mean to be rude."

The tension in the room dissipated, replaced by an awkward silence. Maverick broke the silence, his voice gentle. "Is there anyone you want me to call? Your family?"

Elizabeth's thoughts drifted to her aunt, and a pang of guilt hit her. She hadn't seen her aunt in weeks, and the distance between them felt like a chasm.

"Hmm, my aunt," Elizabeth replied, her voice hesitant.

Maverick's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. Elizabeth felt like he could see right through her, to the secrets and fears she kept hidden. She looked away, her heart racing with a mix of emotions.

" Do you want to talk to her now? Or later" he asked.

" Later" she replied. One of the things Elizabeth feared the most was confrontations especially when she was wrong. She preferred matters like that to be discussed later.

*****

Maverick's expression turned serious, and he leaned forward, his eyes locked on Elizabeth's. "I want to explain what happened earlier," he said, his voice low and sincere. "When I brought you in, I...I made some decisions without your consent. I'm so sorry if that upset you."

Elizabeth's curiosity was piqued, and she nodded for him to continue.

"I fabricated adoption papers to show our relationship " Maverick explained.

" But here's the thing – the adoption is now actually real " Elizabeth's eyes widened in surprise.

"I did it because I was concerned about your treatment " Maverick continued.

" I wanted to ensure you received the best possible care."

Elizabeth listened intently, her expression softening.

"Why did you do that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maverick's eyes dropped, and he hesitated before answering. "I...I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to you "

" You remind me of my deaceased younger sister" he admitted, his voice laced with emotion.

"I know it was presumptuous of me, and I'm truly sorry that i overstepped."

Elizabeth's heart skipped a beat at his words, and she felt a flutter in her chest.

"It's okay," she said, trying to reassure him. "You didn't do anything wrong."

Maverick's eyes met hers, and he searched her face for forgiveness. "Are you sure?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.

Elizabeth nodded, and Maverick's expression relaxed as he sighed.

"Good," he said, smiling softly. "Now, about your discharge...I was thinking, since you're being released today, you could come to my place to rest for a while."

Elizabeth's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Your place?" she repeated.

Maverick nodded. "Yes, it's not far from here. You can stay there until you're feeling better."

" If you're comfortable with that, of course. And I haven't told my mom about you and everything yet"

Elizabeth hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Maverick's confession had left her feeling lost and uncertain.