Chapter 21: Blind Date

“What’s happening?” Everyone was dumbfounded, frozen in place.

“…I’ll take you to the hospital.”

Regaining his composure, Samuel crouched to lift Raylee, but she clutched her chest, straightened, and gasped for air. “This is a claustrophobia attack. I’ll feel better after I throw up. I’m fine now; I’ll leave.”

She spoke faintly, then leaned against the wall and slowly stood. Dragging herself step by step, she left the room. Meanwhile, Waverly sobbed uncontrollably. “Dad, Mom, did I cause Raylee’s claustrophobia? Oh, I’m sorry…”

Harriet quickly comforted her, “Waverly, you’re not at fault. Don’t blame yourself.” Alaric added, “Your mother is right. Your tears have been relentless since Raylee returned. Please, no more crying. It’s breaking my heart.”

Overhearing the family’s comforting words, Raylee felt a pang of sorrow and hurried away.

Alaric sighed, instructing Samuel, “Samuel, could you take Raylee to the hospital for a check-up? Let’s not tell your grandmother; I don’t want to worry her.”

“Understood, Dad.” Samuel immediately chased after her. “You’re claustrophobic! Why didn’t you mention it earlier? We could have avoided this misunderstanding. It seemed like you were just being difficult!”

Raylee stared coldly. “Didn’t I tell you as soon as I could? Mr. Goodridge, I informed you immediately after I recovered.”

“I mean, you should have mentioned it when you got out of jail. Then today’s surprise wouldn’t have been a shock!”

“So, you’re implying I need to apologize, Mr. Goodridge?” Raylee’s eyes brimmed with scorn.

Samuel was speechless. He could never demand an apology from her. As he pondered, Raylee walked away.

“Wait. I’ll take you to the hospital now.” Samuel caught up, offering support. Raylee quickly dodged, dropping her glove. He unintentionally touched her hand, which was covered in swollen, red chilblains, as cold as ice. She withdrew her hand, maintaining distance. Her tone was aloof.

“Mr. Goodridge, I don’t need to go to the hospital. Please stop following me. I just want to go home to Grandma’s.”

She left the Goodridge residence. Samuel watched her limping figure. Her hand must have been in agony. She was covered in wounds…Recalling her discomfort from the claustrophobia, his heart sank. A wrenching pain surged through him. After her release, Raylee had endured numerous visible and hidden wounds alone. He was heartbroken. The Goodridge family intended to make amends, but her attitude remained unyielding. She was impenetrable. Samuel was heartbroken and infuriated. He stomped on the grass before returning inside.

Back at Goodridge Manor, Raylee tactfully avoided discussing the evening. Vera assumed she had a wonderful time, which lifted her spirits. “Ray-Ray, more good news! Your mother chose a promising partner for you. I find him impressive. Meet him tomorrow.”

Raylee frowned. Harriet chose a partner for me? Recalling the hospital warning, she realized her mother couldn’t wait to marry her off, preventing competition with Waverly for a man. Observing her grandmother’s joy, Raylee couldn’t refuse. “All right. I’ll go on this blind date. Tell me the location tomorrow.”

“Let me introduce you to this man…”

Feeling unwell and wanting to rest, Raylee interrupted, “As long as you think he’s good, he must be excellent, Grandma. I trust your judgment completely.”

“All right. You look tired. Get some rest. You need to be energized for the blind date tomorrow.”

“Goodnight, Grandma.”

The next day, the driver took Raylee to her blind date—a Corvainan restaurant. She saw a familiar face. “Layla? Why are you here?”

It was Layla Lorimer, whom she’d met days earlier. “Didn’t your mom and grandma tell you? You’re meeting my older brother.”

Layla indicated a seat. “Sit down. Look at the menu.”

Kaylee then saw Layla’s brother. He was strikingly handsome, in his early thirties, wearing a lightweight sweater. His sharp, charming eyes and sculpted features were captivating. Kaylee, though not easily swayed by looks, found him strikingly attractive.

“Hello, Ms. Goodridge. I’m Jeremiah Lorimer,” he said, extending his hand. His thick eyebrows were raised; his handsome face was frosty, and his expression untamed. Unlike Casimir’s gentle demeanor, Jeremiah exuded an air of superiority.

Kaylee, feeling humble, shook his hand. “Hello.”

“The heater’s on. You can take off your gloves,” Jeremiah suggested, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.

“It’s not convenient,” Kaylee deflected. “You two order. I have no dietary restrictions.”

“Let me order,” Layla offered, taking the menu.

Kaylee met Jeremiah’s dark eyes; he smiled, electrifying her. The atmosphere grew awkward. Raylee quickly looked away, sipping her coffee and gazing out the window. She hadn’t listened to her grandmother’s introduction last night and never imagined her blind date was Layla’s brother, Jeremiah. They had met as children, though infrequently.

As Jeremiah, the illegitimate son of the Lorimer family and Layla’s brother, had lived in obscurity. In her memory, he was scrawny and malnourished. He’d transformed into a strikingly handsome man, likely accepted by the Lorimer family, especially since Layla married an oil tycoon. Regardless of his illegitimate status, Jeremiah was a Lorimer scion, holding significant influence in Jexburgh. Raylee questioned Harriet’s choice, wondering why she was being introduced to such a prestigious man.