Chapter 2: You Are Still My Daughter

Without a word, Raylee took the passenger seat. Samuel's frustration was evident. "Raylee, you're really something!" They drove in silence for half an hour. Arriving at the hospital, Raylee carefully exited the car. Her leg pained her, and she almost fell. Harriet, her once-adoring mother, rushed to her aid. Close behind, Waverly, impeccably dressed in a Chanel-style dress and makeup, followed. Compared to her thin frame four years prior, Waverly was radiant, her beauty striking. "Ray-Ray, I miss you so much," Harriet exclaimed, her voice choked with emotion.

Raylee gently pushed her away and bowed slightly. "Hello, Mrs. Goodridge." Harriet was startled. "Ray-Ray, you…" Raylee remained silent. Five days after her imprisonment four years earlier, Alaric had prepared a disownment declaration before the Lorimer family, even bringing it to the prison for her signature. She then changed her name to Raylee Somers. Harriet, however, knew this. Perhaps guilt-stricken, Harriet's tears flowed. Her voice, gentle and affectionate, continued, "Ray-Ray, it's all in the past. You look pale. Are you sick?" Raylee shook her head. Waverly softly consoled, "Mom, Raylee must have had a difficult time. It matters she's home safely." Harriet nodded, relieved. "Yes, safety is all that matters."

Waverly produced a box of pastries. "Raylee, are you hungry? Casimir gave these to me. Would you like some?" Her eyes, clear and timid, held a familiar humility. Yet, mentioning Casimir Sutherland's name, a hint of pride crept into her voice. Casimir—the source of Raylee's pain. Raylee glanced at Waverly, but remained silent, refusing the pastries. Samuel exploded, "Waverly kindly brought you pastries! Why won't you eat them? They're her favorites! Have you lost all manners after prison?"

Harriet sharply rebuked him. "Don't curse at your sister!" She gently took Raylee's arm. "Ray-Ray, don't mind him. As long as I'm here, no one will bully you." Her eyes were bloodshot, revealing her guilt and heartache. Raylee numbly withdrew her hand, creating distance. Samuel's irritation flared. "Raylee, don't push your luck!" "Samuel, will you stop? Your sister just left prison!" Harriet scolded. "Mom, you can't always let her have her way!" Samuel's anger escalated. He snarled, "You can be unpleasant to me and Waverly, but why to Mom? She's lost sleep and meals worrying! The Goodridge family treated you like a princess for eighteen years. We owe you nothing! Drop this attitude, or go back to prison!"

Raylee felt a bitter laugh well up. No matter what, she was always wrong. She felt like trash, tossed around at their whim, her emotions irrelevant. Harriet, though displeased by Raylee's silence, reprimanded Samuel. "Your sister suffered for four years. Her mindset hasn't recovered. Stop berating her!" Then, softly to Raylee, she said, "Your grandmother knows you're home, and it's lifted her spirits! Go to the hotel, shower, and freshen up before seeing her. Don't worry, you're still my daughter, and I love you."

Really? Can a shattered mirror ever be made whole again?

Raylee felt nothing. She nodded, expressionless, and left. At the hotel, she discovered she was penniless. Turning to leave, she collided with a figure. A sharp pain shot through her forehead. "Ms. Goodridge?" A cold voice. Raylee shuddered. It was Casimir Sutherland, her ex-fiancé, from Jexburgh's third most prestigious family. She bowed, expressionless, "Hello, Mr. Sutherland."

Noticing her thin frame, Casimir asked, "Ms. Goodridge, were you released today?" "Yes…" Raylee nodded. Silence hung heavy. Casimir was stunned. She used to chatter incessantly, a trait he disliked, though he never openly rejected her for it. He'd occasionally tell her to be quiet, but she would sing to cheer him up, her voice melodious and beautiful. Four years, and a single word.

Casimir noticed her limp. "Let me get you a room." Raylee shook her head. He interrupted, "With your leg and no money, can you stop pretending? Your grandmother's in the hospital. Don't you want to see her?" Raylee looked up. His deep black eyes held an irresistible command. She didn't care for him, but thinking of Vera Fanning, her heart ached. Vera had undoubtedly helped secure her early release. She longed to see her. "Then I must trouble you, Mr. Sutherland," Raylee replied.

Casimir booked her a room and escorted her, his tall figure radiating a mature confidence, the scent of classic cologne surrounding him. Raylee was startled. Four years had transformed him. He’d recently been in the news, having become CEO of Sutherland Group's Aploth-Pacific region. This man, handsome and competent, had once consumed her. Even now, her heart fluttered. But he didn't love her. Not at all. She'd thought him cold, a stone, but believed her love would melt him. Then Waverly returned. Casimir's gaze towards her was full of passion and affection. Raylee realized his coldness was reserved only for her. Waverly effortlessly captured his favor. Harriet noticed their mutual affection. Within months, Harriet suggested Raylee relinquish their arranged engagement to Waverly. Raylee, envious and jealous, refused, but Harriet was firm. Four years had passed. Recently, in prison, Raylee saw a report stating Casimir was still single.

Is it possible Casimir and Waverly still haven't married?