Chapter 23: Marriage Is Serious

Raylee felt immobilized, frozen in place. Had Jeremiah truly pinched her nose with such affection? In the past, only Samuel had made that gesture. Later, when Waverly returned, Samuel's attention shifted entirely to her. Raylee had believed no one would ever treat her that way again.

“So, did you actually take a liking to me?” Jeremiah inquired, his gaze intense, alluring.

Raylee’s cheeks flushed under his scrutiny. She bit her lip, her dimples deepening. She didn't know how to answer.

“Silence? I’ll take that as a yes, then. The wedding will be in two months.” Jeremiah watched her calmly, his tone assertive, decisive.

Raylee was startled. “Two months? You’re planning a shotgun wedding?”

“Is there a problem?”

“Do you realize a shotgun wedding is a gamble? Two months isn’t enough to truly understand each other.”

“Is that necessary with an alliance like ours? If our elders deem it suitable, then it is.” Jeremiah spoke casually, his mocking tone hinting at his dissatisfaction with the arrangement.

This unsettled Raylee further. Did he view this blind date as merely a business transaction?

“Mr. Lorimer, there’s no need to consider me. Given your status, you have far better options.”

“Better options? Like who?”

“A proper lady from a prestigious family.”

“You’re not proper? How so? Have you been with countless men?” Jeremiah’s lips curled in a teasing smirk.

Raylee nearly choked, her face burning with embarrassment. “You’re the one who’s been with countless women! I’ve never even been in a relationship!” Her engagement to Casimir had been devoid of any affection; they hadn't even held hands.

“We’re a perfect match. I’m still a virgin!” Jeremiah's gaze suddenly intensified.

Raylee, flustered, retorted, “Bullshit! You’re lying! Who would believe that?”

“You can check anytime…”

With a blush, Raylee interrupted. “Hold on! Why are we even discussing this? Let’s stop.”

Jeremiah chuckled. “Ms. Raylee, you started this conversation. I’m simply responding.”

Raylee didn’t believe him. She suspected he'd intentionally misled her. Suppressing the urge to smack him, she said somberly, “I’m being serious. I’m referring to legitimate daughters of legal wives. I’m a fake daughter of the Goodridge family, a lowly adopted daughter! Worse, they severed ties with me four years ago. My biological mother was a housekeeper, my father an unemployed gambler! Mr. Lorimer, do you think I’m suitable?”

Jeremiah stared intently at her. A moment later, his casual demeanor shifted to seriousness.

“Do you know I’m an illegitimate child?”

Raylee nodded. However, the illegitimate child of the Lorimer family still bore the family name and had been acknowledged by them. She’d also heard Layla mention he was CEO of a Lorimer Group branch office. He had a bright future; he was far beyond her reach.

“You’re an adopted daughter, and I’m an illegitimate son. We’re in the same boat; neither of us has the right to judge the other,” Jeremiah said, raising an eyebrow self-deprecatingly.

“We can’t be compared!” Raylee emphasized.

“I have a criminal record. My health deteriorated in prison. I may be infertile. My status and health are pathetic. I’m worse than average! You have plenty of options. No need to choose a social outcast like me.”

Jeremiah sighed. “You have a point.”

“So, I’m not your only option.”

“Young lady, all problems can be solved, right?”

Raylee was puzzled, but he continued, “Once you’re Mrs. Lorimer, who will call you an ex-convict? As for pregnancy, we could consider IVF, surrogacy, adoption, or even forgo children.”

Raylee was flabbergasted. She’d spoken so poorly of herself, yet he showed no disdain and was even offering solutions!

Just as Raylee was speechless, Jeremiah moved closer, his figure blocking the sunlight. She looked into his deep eyes, feeling the intense gaze of a man – powerful, indulgent, compassionate, and complex. He was like a cheetah focused on its prey.

“Mr. Lorimer, I appreciate your acceptance, but I hope you’ll seriously consider this. Marriage isn’t child’s play.” Raylee took two steps back.

Jeremiah stepped forward, gazing into her eyes, where he saw his reflection. He didn’t speak, but gently stroked her head like a puppy, then ruffled her hair.

“If I treated this as child’s play, I wouldn’t be here. Just tell me if you fancy me. I need a clear answer.” His eyes burned with intensity.

Raylee felt the warmth of his hand, confused. Did she even have the right to say no? Marrying Jeremiah would be a powerful alliance.

“Since you’re not denying it, I’ll take it as a yes, my future wife. Here’s to a blissful marriage.” He extended his hand.

Raylee looked at his palm, silent and motionless. Were they really getting married? Was she going to spend her life with him? She felt as if she were in a dream, inexplicably about to marry into the most prestigious family in Jexburgh.

Seeing her hesitation, Jeremiah remained patient. “No worries. I’ll wait. One day, you’ll willingly take my hand.”