Chapter 10: The Awakening of Vera
Upon hearing this, Harriet anxiously exclaimed, “I wonder how severely she’s injured. Samuel, take Ray-Ray to a doctor immediately.”
Samuel replied helplessly, “I went to the bar, but she wasn’t there. I even checked the hotel, but she wasn’t there either.”
Harriet’s eyes filled with heartache. “What could she be thinking? She was just released from prison, still wounded, and she rushed off to work. Our family isn’t short of money. Why is she doing this to herself?”
“Mom, she’s being stubborn and holds a grudge against us. I tried to arrange a caregiver, but she refused. She wouldn’t accept money either. Let’s leave it for now. Once Grandma wakes up, we’ll have her talk to her.”
Listening to Samuel’s comforting words, Harriet nodded sadly. “I suppose there’s no other way.”
After leaving the bar, Raylee wandered aimlessly until late at night before returning to work. Luckily, the manager didn’t fire her because of the incident. It wasn’t until the bar closed in the wee hours of the morning that Raylee returned to her hotel to rest.
On her first night after release, Raylee didn’t sleep peacefully. She was plagued by constant nightmares. “Please, I beg you, don’t hit me!” she cried out, jolting awake, gasping for breath, sweat trickling down her face. She’d only slept two hours, and it was already her fifth time waking up. Over the past four years, she’d endured nightly bullying and torment. She hadn’t had a good night’s sleep in days. Even with her freedom, intense fear lingered, haunting her constantly. When would this end? Although the Goodridge family had provided her with eighteen years of wealth and comfort, the harm they inflicted was inescapable. She clenched her fists in resentment.
As morning arrived, Raylee’s phone rang. The nurse informed her, “Your grandmother has woken up!” The exhilarating news overshadowed her exhaustion. After quickly freshening up, she rushed to the hospital.
Inside the ward, everyone except Alaric had arrived. Vera lay weakly on the bed, anxiously asking, “Where’s Ray-Ray? Has she been released? Don’t lie to me!”
“Grandma, I’m here!” Raylee’s voice echoed as she entered. Despite the pain in her legs, she quickened her pace to Vera’s side. Tears flowed instantly. She flung herself into Vera’s arms, her body shuddering with sobs. These were the first tears she’d shed since her release—tears of pure relief. The one who loved her most in this world was still alive. Raylee had spent most of her childhood with Vera, who had essentially raised her. Four years ago, when Waverly returned, she became the center of attention in the Goodridge family. Only Vera continued to care for Raylee, even suggesting she move into Goodridge Manor to avoid conflict. Despite her efforts, Raylee was still framed for stealing Tiffany’s necklace; the Goodridge family and Casimir colluded with Waverly to accuse her. Only Vera believed in her innocence, but even Vera’s efforts couldn't ultimately protect her from the Lorimer family's influence. According to Samuel, Raylee’s early release was largely due to Vera’s tireless efforts behind the scenes. The image of eighty-year-old Vera, straining her frail body to save her, filled Raylee with sorrow. She couldn’t hold back her tears.
“It’s all right, Ray-Ray. I’m glad you’re out now. I’m here. You won’t suffer anymore,” Vera said, cradling Raylee tenderly, showering her with affection, her touch as gentle and loving as when she soothed her to sleep as a child.
“Stop crying. You’re making it look like we’ve been bullying you,” Samuel reminded her.
Vera glared at Samuel and snapped, “Didn't you see her fresh injuries to her face and head? Who knows what other injuries she sustained!”
The Goodridge family fell silent. They dared not reveal the extent of Raylee’s injuries, let alone discuss her experiences, fearing it would overwhelm Vera. Waverly, the instigator of the bar incident, was apprehensive, fearing Vera would discover her role. She could fool Samuel and Harriet, but not shrewd, elderly Vera. Vera had always doted on Raylee, treating Waverly with an indifference that bred resentment.
Noticing the awkward atmosphere, Harriet tactfully changed the subject. “Um… Mom, now that Ray-Ray is released, you can attend Waverly and Casimir’s engagement party, right?”
“What’s the rush? The date hasn’t even been set!” Vera frowned.
Harriet sighed. “Mom, if you hadn’t been so reluctant, this engagement would have happened two years ago. You’ve already delayed things because of Ray-Ray. If you keep dragging it out, Waverly will be left on the shelf. We just need your agreement.”
Vera huffed, “Well, go ahead and handle it. Why should you concern yourselves with an old woman?”
“Mom, what are you talking about? We all respect you. The engagement party is a grand affair. If you don’t attend, it will make our family the laughingstock of Jexburgh.”
Vera’s eyes narrowed. “Let them laugh. Ray-Ray’s life is more important. In these past four years, all of you only cared about Waverly. Who cared about Ray-Ray? Would you have been willing to save her if I hadn’t used this excuse to stall you? Four years! Do you have any idea how much hardship Ray-Ray has endured? Have any of you ever cared?”
As Vera spoke passionately, she was seized by a coughing fit.
“Grandma, please stop,” Raylee pleaded. “You’ve just had surgery. You can’t get so worked up.” She wiped away her tears and comforted her.
“You’re a good girl, Ray-Ray. You’ve always been the best. Everyone in this house owes you. From now on, you’ll live with me. As long as I’m around, no one is allowed to bully you. If they try, they’ll have to deal with me!”
“Mom, Waverly is your granddaughter too. How can you be so biased? Waverly had it tougher growing up. Ray-Ray only went through hardships for four years, but Waverly suffered for eighteen. She—”
“Mom, let’s not discuss this now. Grandma just woke up, and the doctor said she can’t handle any stress,” Samuel interrupted.
Harriet stopped talking. She stood beside Waverly, gently patting her hand, offering a comforting gaze, implying she would ensure her engagement party went smoothly.