Chapter 9: Sense of recognition

As the afternoon sun began to intensify, the hospital's discharge process for Elizabeth was finally complete.

With a gentle smile, Maverick carefully lifted Elizabeth into a wheelchair, her fragile frame settling into the worn cushions.

He wheeled her slowly through the hospital's corridors, the soft hum of the chair's wheels echoing off the sterile walls.

As they emerged into the warm sunlight, Maverick guided the chair toward the parking lot, where his assistant had thoughtfully parked the car, its engine purring softly in anticipation of their departure.

With deliberate care, Maverick slid his arms beneath Elizabeth, lifting her effortlessly from the wheelchair as his assistant swiftly emerged from the car to assist.

The assistant opened the passenger door of the sleek Audi Q6 e-tron, revealing the plush, cream-coloured interior. Maverick gently settled Elizabeth onto the soft leather seat, ensuring she was comfortable before closing the door and making his way around to the other passenger seat.

As the car made its way through the streets, Elizabeth's thoughts drifted to her current situation. She couldn't shake off the feeling of unease about going to Maverick's home.

It wasn't that she didn't appreciate his help, but she didn't know him well enough to feel comfortable in his personal space.

She turned to him, her eyes locking onto his. "Maverick, can I talk to you about something?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, yet laced with a hint of determination.

Maverick turned his attention to her, his eyes gentle with concern. "Of course, Elizabeth. What's on your mind?"

Elizabeth hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I feel a bit uncomfortable about coming to your home."

" I didn't mean to be rude or anything, it just that I don't know you that well, and I'm not sure I'm ready for...whatever this is."

Maverick nodded thoughtfully, his expression calm.

"I understand, Elizabeth. I appreciate your honesty."

" Please know that you're welcome in my home, and I just want to help you recover. No expectations, no pressure."

" And I apologise if you feel pressured in any way, it wasn't my intention "

Elizabeth felt a wave of relief wash over her, her tension easing as she sighed "Thank you, Maverick. That means a lot to me."

The rest of the drive passed in comfortable silence, the only sound the soft hum of the engine.

Eventually, the car pulled up to Maverick's house, a beautiful, sprawling mansion that seemed to exude warmth and welcome.

As the car came to a gentle stop at the entrance, Maverick's mother emerged from the front door, a warm smile spreading across her face.

"Mav, darling! It's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, opening her arms wide for a hug.

Maverick alighted from the car, a smile still playing on his lips.

"Good to see you too, Mom," he replied, embracing his mother warmly.

"How are you doing? You look so tired, Mom. I told you not to stress yourself out."

His mother's expression turned wistful, and she let out a soft sigh. "Hmm...I'm fine, dear.

Just a bit preoccupied." She paused, her eyes sparkling with curiosity wondering who the person in the car was.

"Is big brother and sister-in-law around?" Maverick asked.

His mom shook her head. "You know your brother; he'll be back later in the evening."

Maverick nodded, a hint of a smile still on his lips. "Okay."

Maverick helped Elizabeth out of the car and into a wheelchair, and then his mother's gaze fell upon Elizabeth's face.

Her expression faltered, and she looked like she'd been punched in the gut. Her eyes widened, and her face paled as if she'd seen a ghost.

The warm smile she'd been wearing just moments before had vanished, replaced by a look of shock and bewilderment.

For a moment, no one spoke. The only sound was the distant chirping of birds and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze. Then, Maverick's mother took a step forward, her eyes fixed on Elizabeth's face.

"Maverick, who...?" she trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maverick's expression turned somber, and he placed a gentle hand on his mother's shoulder. "Mom, this is Elizabeth. She's...a friend."

But Elizabeth's eyes had already locked onto Maverick's mother, and she felt an inexplicable sense of recognition.