Chapter 17 Call Her

Upon hearing this, Raylee chuckled self-deprecatingly. “Mr. Sutherland, you’re being too serious. How could I dare hit or scold you? I’d only do that if I had a death wish.”

“Call me Mr. Sutherland. If you don’t want to address me as Caz like before, you can just call me Casimir.” Irritation edged Casimir’s tone.

Raylee sensed his attempt at reconciliation but didn’t respond. What was the point of extending an olive branch after pushing her into the abyss? She had expended all her strength and luck escaping prison, a place akin to the gates of hell. Even though her spirit and body bore countless wounds, she wouldn't easily forgive those who inflicted this harm. That wasn't just self-degrading; it was downright disrespectful to herself.

Finding his humility unanswered, Casimir's irritation surged. He clenched his fists, accelerated, and exceeded the speed limit. Raylee showed no fear, her gaze unwavering as the scenery blurred outside the window.

Dusk had fallen. The evening glow streamed in, painting the car's interior, with Raylee as the central figure. Entranced, she gazed vacantly outward, as if the world had abandoned her, leaving only an empty shell. Witnessing this, the restlessness consuming Casimir dissipated, replaced by profound heartache. Had she spent the past four years like this? Gazing at freedom, yet despondent under the weight of unshakeable shackles? Back then, she must have felt so helpless, so desperate…

Casimir slowed the car, letting silence linger before speaking. “The day after tomorrow is my birthday. Will you come?”

Raylee furrowed her brows, listening as he continued. “You’ve been absent for four years. You used to be there every year. Promise me you won’t miss it this year.”

Raylee replied noncommittally, “I’ll go if I have the time.”

“Great! Thank you, Ray-Ray…” Casimir’s elation softened his address, a smile playing on his lips. How could Raylee miss his evident joy? It felt incredibly ironic.

He failed to appreciate her past efforts to craft thoughtful gifts, merely glancing at them before tossing them aside. Was he fantasizing that, even after four years of prison, she would still treat him with such sincerity? It was utterly ridiculous.

Casimir continued enthusiastically describing his birthday preparations. “I’ve arranged for the Moonhaze Band to perform. Lilith Fallon, the lead singer, is your favorite, right? I’ve even set up a photo opportunity for you two. Are you excited?”

Raylee remained silent. Excited? Preposterous. After four years of torment, the joy and beauty she once found in people and things held no interest.

Half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital's inpatient building. After Raylee exited, Casimir parked and accompanied her upstairs. “I’ll just visit Old Mrs. Goodridge briefly.”

Raylee didn't object, and they entered the room. Vera was frantic, unable to contact Raylee despite the caregivers’ and nurses’ efforts. Seeing Raylee, she calmed slightly. “My darling Ray-Ray, why couldn’t I reach you? I was frantic! I heard you’ve been working at a bar. With your health, how could you take on such strenuous work?”

Raylee hurried to reassure her. “I’m not going to work. I’ll be with you here tonight.”

“That’s good. I’ll be discharged in a couple of days. After that, you can come live with me at Goodridge Manor.”

“All right, Grandma. From now on, I’ll stay with you at Goodridge Manor.” Like a child, Raylee embraced Vera. Only with Vera could she truly be herself.

Casimir’s dark eyes fixed intently on Raylee. It was as if time rewound four years. Raylee used to cling to him just so. Heaven knew how much he missed those days… He'd insisted on coming, to steal a few more glimpses of this side of her.

“Oh, Casimir’s here too? Please, have a seat. You’re such a devoted young man, always visiting this old lady. I feel at ease with you as my grandson-in-law.”

“Hello, Old Mrs. Goodridge,” Casimir greeted politely.

“How odd! Why didn’t you come with Waverly, but instead, with Ray-Ray!”

This awkward question prompted a bitter smile from Casimir. “I ran into Raylee on the road, so I brought her here.”

Was it truly coincidence? Vera’s expression turned peculiar. “I saw it earlier. There was a sparkle in your eyes when you looked at Ray-Ray. That’s not a good sign. Be honest, do you still have feelings for Raylee?”

Before Casimir could respond, Raylee cut him off. “Grandma, Casimir never had any feelings for me. Where is this supposed affection coming from?”

Vera nodded, her expression profound. “That makes sense. In the past, you were always revolving around Casimir, but he didn’t even spare you a glance. I must have been overthinking.” She gently stroked Raylee’s head. “I will definitely find you a better man, one superior to this brat.”

Casimir froze. Raylee nodded, smiling in agreement. But turning, her expression hardened as she dismissed Casimir. “Mr. Sutherland, if there’s nothing else, you may leave. Otherwise, Grandma, and the Goodridge family, will misunderstand.”

Reluctantly, Casimir left, casting a longing glance at Raylee. He yearned to be a part of her world, but she desperately tried to escape his. It’s okay. As long as she attends my birthday party, that means she hasn’t completely given up on our past. There’s definitely a way to mend our strained relationship!

Two days later, the Sutherland family threw a grand birthday party. As one of Jexburgh’s four great families, the Sutherlands held significant influence. Nearly all of Jexburgh’s high society gathered, offering Casimir birthday wishes.

Casimir was busy attending to guests until the Goodridge family arrived. He looked around, but found no sign of Raylee. Waverly, in a luxurious gown, presented a beautifully wrapped gift, her body almost touching his. “Happy birthday, Caz,” she said. “I specifically sought out a foreign designer. I really hope you like it.”

Casimir accepted the gift, but his brow furrowed. “Where’s Raylee?”

Waverly’s expression drastically changed. Jealousy twisted her makeup. Samuel’s gaze hardened. “She’s at the hospital with Grandma and can’t come.”

“But she promised me!” Casimir insisted, his voice tinged with anger. “Call her!”