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.