Chapter 11: Comparing Casimir to a Dog

Kaylee’s emotions remained unsettled long after her conversation with Vera and Harriet. She felt both touched and awestruck by Vera’s intervention on her behalf. Surprisingly, Vera had pressured the Goodridge family, even using her refusal to attend Casimir and Waverly’s engagement party as a threat. Vera’s efforts were undeniable.

“Ray-Ray, you’ve always liked Casimir, so what do you think about marrying him?” Vera proposed, astonishing everyone.

“Mom, what nonsense? Casimir is engaged to Waverly! How can Ray-Ray marry him?” Harriet objected vehemently.

“This marriage was a pact my husband and I made with Old Mr. Sutherland. I have the final say!” Vera declared, her gaze settling on Raylee. “Don’t worry, I’ll arrange your marriage into the Sutherland family. Their protection will safeguard you. I’m aging; I won’t be able to protect you forever. I want you to have strong support when I’m gone.”

Raylee was moved to tears. Vera consistently prioritized her needs. However, Raylee no longer liked Casimir. She was about to refuse when Waverly burst into tears, crying, “Raylee, I truly like Caz! Please don’t compete with me for him!”

“Ray-Ray, how could you compete? You know the hardships your sister endured! You’ll always be in her debt!” Harriet’s accusation caused Raylee sharp pain. She knew people valued the one who raised them more than the one who gave them life. She was deeply grateful to Harriet for her eighteen years of care and cherished their bond. Yet, her mother’s blatant favoritism and harsh words stung.

Raylee stared blankly at Harriet. “Waverly’s hardships weren’t my doing. If I had a choice, I would never have joined the Goodridge family, or met you.”

Harriet’s lips quivered, a lump forming in her throat. “Ray-Ray, I didn’t mean to blame you…” Tears welled in her eyes. She remained silent.

Anxious, Waverly tugged at Harriet’s sleeve, pleading, “Mommy…”

“Don’t worry. I won’t fight you for a man,” Raylee assured her.

“Grandma, I have two things to tell you. First, I won’t marry Casimir. Second, I no longer have feelings for him.”

“But you used to adore him!”

“That was the past. Things are different now,” Raylee said, then teased, “If you want a strong support system for me, find a better candidate. I’ll never marry Casimir. I’d rather marry a dog!”

Casimir, having just arrived, overheard. He was stunned. Was she saying he was no better than a dog? His face darkened. He hadn't expected such deep-seated resentment, the lingering effects of his actions four years ago seeming insurmountable.

“Ms. Goodridge, is it polite to compare me to a dog?” Casimir asked, his expression impassive.

“Oh, Casimir, you’re here!” Vera exclaimed, delighted.

Casimir greeted everyone politely, setting down health supplements.

“I’m well indeed!” Vera chirped. He was a prestigious young man; any girl would be captivated, any elder fond of him.

“Mom, since everyone’s here, let’s set a date for Waverly and Casimir’s engagement. Ray-Ray has no feelings for Casimir,” Harriet suggested, seizing the opportunity.

Waverly’s excitement was palpable; her eyes sparkled as she looked at Casimir, her love undeniable. Casimir, however, ignored her, his gaze landing on Raylee. He asked bluntly, “Since when did you stop liking me, Ms. Goodridge?”

Raylee was bewildered. His question seemed absurd. After his role in her imprisonment four years prior, wouldn’t it be demeaning to still like him?

The others were also puzzled. They’d worried about Raylee's lingering feelings, but now it seemed Casimir harbored feelings for Raylee instead. Waverly felt weak, knowing that if Casimir wanted Raylee, nothing else mattered.

Samuel cautioned, “Casimir, Grandmother just woke up. Think before you speak!”

Samuel knew Casimir’s feelings for Raylee.

“It’s nothing. I’m just puzzled. Am I really worse than a dog? Ms. Goodridge preferring a dog is a blow to my pride,” Casimir said, his teasing tone easing the tension.

“Ahem, yes, Ray-Ray was joking,” Harriet chuckled, continuing, “So, how about setting your engagement date with Waverly…”

Casimir interrupted. “Mrs. Goodridge, my grandfather died six months ago. Local customs require a three-year mourning period before joyful events.”

Vera sighed. “Derek’s passing was too soon. Let’s discuss the engagement later.” Her reasoning was sound, silencing Harriet.

Waverly’s eyes were still and lifeless. When would this end?

Samuel eyed Casimir, wondering if the postponement was due to his grandfather or Raylee.

“Ray-Ray, let’s forget the Sutherland family proposal. While I’m still capable, I’ll find you a suitable match! I promise they won’t be worse than the Sutherlands!” Vera assured Raylee.

“All right, Grandma. I love you!” Raylee kissed Vera’s cheek, cuddling up to her playfully.

Samuel and Casimir exchanged glances. Raylee’s demeanor—innocent yet willful—reminded them of the past. They missed it. Casimir’s gaze was intense, filled with memories of Raylee revolving around him. Why had he found her annoying before? She was adorable.

Seeing Casimir’s gaze, Waverly clenched her fists. Casimir was hers. From the moment she’d seen him four years ago, she’d been smitten. She wouldn’t let anyone steal him. As Casimir left, Waverly followed.