Chapter 25: Give You the Answer

In the face of Raylee’s mockery, Casimir insisted, “I’m not going to argue with you about this. Your decision to marry into the Lorimer family is akin to seeking your own doom! Do you understand how complex the Lorimer family is? It’s a tangled web of conflict. If you get involved, it’s more than you can handle! You could even lose your life!”

Raylee responded with an icy expression, “That’s still better than those devils who threw me into prison!”

Casimir was so angry he trembled. He couldn’t retort. He realized the love Raylee had given him was a cruel joke—amusing to others, but painful for him.

Raylee, confused by his anger and sorrow, wondered, “What’s he so angry and sad about? He’s engaged to Waverly, the Goodridge heiress. Their relationship is strong; they even shared intimate moments at the birthday party. Could he still have feelings for me? If so, it’s even worse—he’s not content with what he has! What a scoundrel!”

“I don’t care what you think of me, but I’m against you marrying into the Lorimer family!” Casimir said, adjusting his tie. His commanding presence was compelling, despite its illogic.

Raylee shot him a look. “What right do you have to object? You’re just my ex. I get it now. No one wants their ex to be doing better! Because the Lorimer family surpasses the Sutherland family, you’re envious, resentful, perhaps even filled with hatred.” She believed her analysis was accurate. Raylee regretted wasting her youth on him, never imagining her former fiancé would be so manipulative. He couldn’t bear to see her happy.

“What nonsense are you talking about? Who’s envious? I’m looking out for you!” Casimir retorted, his voice unconvincing. “Do you really think marrying into the Lorimer family is wonderful? They’re the most prestigious and wealthy family in Jexburgh. Do you think they’ll accept an adopted daughter like you? You’re an ex-convict! Stop daydreaming!”

Casimir immediately regretted his words, but his apology remained unspoken. Raylee’s audacity in considering marrying Jeremiah enraged him. She was moving on so easily!

Raylee clenched her fists, loathing the man who repeatedly hurt her. Her four-year imprisonment was caused by the Goodridge family and Casimir. She couldn’t understand his ruthlessness. She was wrongfully imprisoned, yet he, an accomplice to her wrongful accusation, had the audacity to assault her with venomous words.

“Right! Both families are out of my league. I deserve to be alone. Are you happy now!” After venting, Raylee told Jeremiah, “I’m going to the restroom.” She shoved Casimir aside, saying, “Don’t stand in my way!”

Casimir nearly stumbled. He hadn’t realized how strong and temperamental she was.

After Raylee left, Jeremiah looked at Casimir with amusement. “Mr. Sutherland, stop looking. She’s no longer yours. In two months, she will be marrying me.” His tone was boastful.

Casimir cast an inscrutable look at him. “Raylee probably doesn’t know about the good deeds you’ve done abroad, right?”

Jeremiah’s smile faltered. “You ought to keep your mouth shut.”

Casimir said, “I can keep quiet, but you must stay away from Raylee.”

Jeremiah retorted, “Judging by your words, you still have feelings for your ex. What a pity. We live in a monogamous society. To win Raylee back, you’d have to cheat. I doubt she’d be interested in your affair.”

“Quit your whining! If you don’t want your past revealed, stay away from Raylee!”

The tension was palpable. Jeremiah laughed confidently. “Mr. Sutherland, do you really think you acquired that city council project through cunning tactics?”

“What are you implying?” Casimir asked, wary.

Jeremiah said, “Taken at face value—do you think I couldn’t take it from you if I wanted to? Time is running out. If I were you, I wouldn’t waste my energy on romantic entanglements.” His words were laced with a subtle threat.

Casimir remained outwardly calm, but felt anxious. The city council project was crucial to securing a seat on the board of directors. Failure would ruin years of hard work. Caution was necessary. A glint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes, and he left.

Raylee returned to find only Jeremiah. Relief washed over her. “Your ex seems pretty concerned about you,” Jeremiah teased.

“Who needs his concern?” Raylee said dismissively.

“Didn’t you used to really like him?”

“Who hasn’t fallen for a jerk? How did you know I had feelings for him? Did you spy on me?”

Jeremiah furrowed his brows. “It was a guess. I’m not creepy.”

Raylee felt she was overthinking. Why would someone like Jeremiah pay attention to someone like her?

“Let’s go. You must be tired. I’ll take you home,” Jeremiah said.

“Hold on. Why do you want to marry me? We’ve talked so much, but you’ve never explained.”

“I’ve reached the appropriate age for marriage. I need a wife. My sister likes you, and I have a good…”

Raylee interrupted, “Is it really that simple?”

“Yes. What else do you think?”

Raylee shook her head. She felt like a zombie. “But do I have anything that makes people want me?”

Jeremiah ruffled her hair. “Let’s go. Silly girl, why overthink things?”

“I have another question!”

Jeremiah was nonplussed. “Why do you have endless questions?”

“One final question. What were you hinting at about fifteen years ago, before Casimir showed up? What exactly transpired?”

Jeremiah leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “I’ll spend the rest of my life telling you the answer.”