Chapter 18: Do Not Like Them Anymore

Alaric and Harriet's expressions turned serious. Casimir, Waverly's fiancé, insisted Raylee attend his birthday party. How ridiculous was that? As they looked at Waverly, they saw her eyes redden, tears welling. The older couple silently blamed Raylee; how could an older sister compete with her younger sister for a man? Nonetheless, they quickly lowered their voices to comfort Waverly.

Samuel pulled Casimir aside, gripping his collar. "Did you say that in front of Waverly to ensure everyone knows you're interested in Raylee?" he demanded. Casimir's haughty demeanor seemed to tower over Samuel. "In this era of marital freedom, you're not arranging my marriage, are you? Let go of me! Don't think our friendship grants you indefinite license to interfere!"

"Casimir, man up! Juggling two women will be your downfall!"

"That's my business. You shouldn't interfere!"

Tension crackled between them. A fight seemed imminent. Then, Lilith's melodious voice, the lead singer of Moonhaze Band, rang out from the stage. "Next, my signature song, 'Angel,' for everyone."

The lights dimmed, the music exploded, and the tension between Samuel and Casimir vanished instantly. Both men were captivated, their gazes fixed on the stage.

"Raylee's loved Moonhaze since she was thirteen," Samuel said, his voice thick with emotion.

"I know. I hired them for her—flew them overseas, it cost a fortune…" Casimir sighed, his eyes dimming with melancholy. "Why didn't she come? Does she hate me that much?"

His dark eyes held a bitter sting. As the song reached its crescendo, a suffocating breathlessness intensified within him. He grabbed a glass of red wine and drained it.

"You're allergic to alcohol! Are you trying to kill yourself?" Samuel exclaimed, annoyed.

A wave of nausea swept over Casimir, forcing him to leave. Waverly, who had been watching, approached Samuel. "What's wrong with Caz? You were about to fight. Does he… not like me?" Tears glistened on her lashes.

Samuel replied, "He had some alcohol and isn't feeling well. He'll be fine after resting."

"Then I'll check on him."

Knowing Casimir's room was on the fourth floor, Waverly followed him. Casimir dashed into his bathroom, not even bothering to close the door. Waverly followed, locking the door behind her; a hint of interest flickered in her eyes. Despite their betrothal, he rarely brought her to the Sutherland residence; they'd never spent time alone.

She considered herself attractive and capable of attracting a man. Yet, every time she hinted at intimacy, Casimir evaded her, leaving her unsure if he was oblivious or pretending. Suspecting another woman, she'd discreetly hired a private investigator. After a year or two, it became clear Casimir devoted himself entirely to work; apart from female colleagues, there was no other woman in his life. His lack of desire was maddening. She refused to believe a man his age could remain chaste.

Waverly shed her formal attire. Barefoot, she moved delicately towards the bathroom. Meanwhile, Casimir suffered an allergic reaction to the alcohol. His body was covered in red rashes, and he felt violently ill. After recovering slightly, he planned a shower. He usually avoided alcohol, barely touching it; he didn't understand his actions earlier. Raylee's absence, her refusal to give their relationship another chance, ached in his heart, intensified by Moonhaze's music; every note felt like a shard of glass.

Squeezing his nose, Casimir entered the shower. A woman, clad only in underwear, appeared silently behind him. He nearly had a heart attack.

"Waverly? Why are you in my room? What are you wearing?" Recognizing her, he demanded, "Don't you think it's indecent to barge into my room like that?"

He was on the verge of cursing, struggling to control his anger.

"Caz, I love you." Waverly rushed forward, embracing him tightly.

"What are you doing? Damn it!" Despite his efforts, Casimir cursed. He forcefully pried her hands away, sending her head crashing against the bathroom door. His eyes blazed with rage.

"If you touch me again, I'll have the bodyguards throw you out! You'll humiliate yourself and your entire family!"

Tears streaming down her face, Waverly wore an expression of pitiful innocence. "Caz, we've been betrothed since childhood. I consider myself your wife. Why are you treating me like this?"

"As a woman, you should respect yourself. I find your actions repulsive!" His disgust was plain.

Waverly's pride was wounded; she sobbed quietly. Casimir threw her a bathrobe. "Leave my room, or don't blame me for being unsympathetic!"

Waverly, tearful and distraught, fled. Meanwhile, Samuel, concerned for Casimir, arrived at his room, only to find Waverly emerging, disheveled and weeping.

"Waverly, what happened? Did he bully you? I'll deal with him!"

With a swift kick, Samuel forced open the door. "Casimir, you bastard, how dare you touch my sister! You'll pay!" He immediately attacked Casimir.

Meanwhile, in a hospital ward, Vera watched a livestream of Casimir's party, featuring Moonhaze Band.

"Raylee, isn't this your favorite band? Moon something?"

Kaylee leaned over, her heart a whirlwind of complex emotions. "Grandma, it's Moonhaze Band, but I don't like them anymore."