Chapter 22: Finally Smiled

Raylee was acutely aware of her circumstances. Formerly a fraudulent heiress of the Goodridge family, she had served four years in prison. An ex-convict with a criminal record, the idea of dining, let alone having a blind date, with the son of the Lorimer family seemed unimaginable. She felt utterly unworthy.

Layla's presence, however, made their meal convivial and pleasant. After dinner, Raylee excused herself to the restroom and didn't return. Jeremiah and Raylee were left alone, their silence broken by Raylee.

"I can take a taxi home," she announced, rising.

Jeremiah's eyebrows furrowed. "So you're just leaving after your fill?" His tone was laced with sarcasm.

Raylee stiffened. The remark felt oddly accusatory, as if she were being rude.

"Mr. Lorimer, we've finished. Aren't we leaving?" she asked, glancing at him.

A hint of nonchalance played on Jeremiah's handsome face; it was hard to gauge his sincerity. "It's a blind date. Shouldn't it be a 'full package'? After dinner, wouldn't a movie be next?"

Raylee stammered, "Uh…" The suggestion made sense, but required mutual attraction, which she clearly didn't believe existed between them. Jeremiah, she reasoned, couldn't possibly be interested in her.

"What's the matter? Am I not good enough for a movie?" Jeremiah pouted, his dark eyes fixed on her. His half-smile only deepened her confusion. Had the tables turned? She found him utterly perplexing.

Finally, she asked, "Mr. Lorimer, are you perhaps unaware of my situation?"

A subtle smile touched Jeremiah's lips. He spoke in a casual tone: "You used to call me that when we were kids."

Raylee paused. Did she even remember calling him that? Their childhood interactions were minimal; she recalled little beyond his slight build. His memory surprised her.

"Don't be nervous," he continued. "I know everything about you, even your time in jail."

A wave of nausea washed over Raylee. This was the ultimate humiliation. Sadness flickered in her eyes. Knowing her past, why would he still suggest a movie? Despite being illegitimate, he was still the esteemed son of the Lorimer family.

He spoke slowly, "You were wrongfully accused. Don't overthink it."

"Do you believe I'm innocent?" she asked incredulously.

"Why wouldn't I? Justice may be delayed, but it will not be denied," he replied, a cryptic depth in his eyes.

Raylee felt a shift. He was more than just a stranger; he believed in her innocence. A surge of emotion, a powerful urge to cry, overwhelmed her.

"Thank you," she managed.

Jeremiah responded, "No need for words. If you want to thank me, accompany me to a movie. I just returned from abroad and don't know any recent releases. You choose."

"Actually, I don't know either," Raylee admitted, scratching her head. "I've only been out of jail a few days."

An awkward silence fell.

"No worries. Let's choose randomly," Jeremiah said.

"All right!" Raylee replied, a faint smile touching her lips. Since her release, she only felt this relaxed around her grandmother and the Lorimer siblings. Layla and Jeremiah possessed a disarming charm.

Previously, Raylee understood blind dates involved a movie as a pretext for physical intimacy; holding hands, kissing, etc. But Jeremiah remained entirely platonic. For nearly two hours, beyond sharing thoughts on the plot, he didn't overstep. A touch of bitterness welled up in Raylee. Was she daydreaming? Perhaps Jeremiah simply sought company.

Exiting the theater, the brilliant winter sun struck Raylee. The idea of a stroll occurred to her, but the words caught in her throat. Standing beside her was the son of Jexburgh's most prestigious family. Asking him felt inappropriate.

Before she could speak, Jeremiah suggested a stroll. Without apparent thought, he took her gloved hand. Raylee recoiled, startled.

"What's wrong?" he asked, puzzled.

"Is this… inappropriate?" Raylee asked, lowering her gaze, a whirlwind of emotions overwhelming her.

"You don't like me?" Jeremiah’s voice was husky, playful. "Why did you agree to the movie, then? I thought you felt the same way."

"Same way?" Raylee exclaimed, surprised.

"Yeah. Blind date. Better to be straightforward," Jeremiah said with a nonchalant raise of an eyebrow.

Raylee couldn't decipher his words. "Mr. Lorimer, are you saying you…like me?"

"Are you serious? You're not joking?" Raylee asked, incredulous.

Amusement flickered in Jeremiah's dark eyes. "Do you think I have time to joke? Would I have sat through that dreadful romantic movie if I weren't interested? The plot was terrible, especially the male lead. He cried at the grave like he was at a wedding! Only the unhinged would praise such trash!"

Raylee laughed at his ruthless critique. Jeremiah's dark eyes locked onto her face, a hint of sternness softening as he said, "You finally smiled." Her dimples appeared, radiating innocence and sweetness. He couldn't resist pinching her nose.