Chapter 40: Future Daughter-in-Law

“The day she was released from prison, you had her examined, didn’t you? Samuel knew about her condition, didn’t he?” Jeremiah’s voice was glacial. “On a freezing day like that, pushing your disabled sister into the water—Samuel, were you trying to kill her?”

“Raylee is my girlfriend,” he declared, his voice unwavering. “She’s my future wife. He tried to hurt her, so honestly, shooting him was letting him off easy.”

Layla gasped. A flicker of guilt crossed her face. Raylee was already suffering, yet she was still being exploited.

The Goodridge family fell silent. Even Waverly’s sobs ceased.

“I didn’t mean to kill her,” Samuel mumbled, remorse filling his voice. “I’ve explained this many times. I truly thought she could swim…”

Victor’s gaze fell to Raylee’s frostbitten hands; he sighed heavily.

“This is, at most, a sibling dispute,” Alaric finally said, his tone firm. “A family affair. Naturally, I will handle it.” He paused, then his voice sharpened. “But!” He turned to Victor, his eyes narrowing. “Victor, your son was wrong to interfere. He’s an outsider. What right does he have to meddle in my family’s affairs?”

Victor’s demeanor shifted. His voice was calm but commanding. “You may see my son’s actions as interference, but if your son harms my future daughter-in-law, then it is my family’s business.”

The words struck like thunder.

Future daughter-in-law.

The weight of those words sent shockwaves through the room. It was a subtle yet undeniable acknowledgment of Raylee’s status.

“Jeremiah, be clear,” Victor said. “What exactly is your relationship with Ms. Goodridge?”

“My girlfriend,” Jeremiah answered without hesitation. “And my future wife.”

Victor turned to Raylee. “Ms. Goodridge, are you willing to marry Jeremiah?”

Raylee hesitated, then nodded slightly.

“All right,” Victor said with satisfaction before addressing Alaric and Harriet. “Do either of you have anything else to say?”

His meaning was clear—they might soon be family. Would they really pursue this further and risk a rift?

Alaric and Harriet exchanged a look. The situation had taken a completely unexpected turn. They had introduced Raylee to Jeremiah for a blind date, hoping she would marry into the Lorimer family. An alliance would benefit the Goodridge family immensely. They knew the chances of the Lorimers being interested in Raylee were slim—a gamble, at best. Even if Jeremiah didn't choose her, they would have arranged a marriage into another wealthy family.

But things had escalated differently. Their son had been shot, yet somehow, this paved the way for Raylee’s engagement to Jeremiah. In a twisted way, it was a blessing in disguise.

After weighing the pros and cons, Alaric finally spoke. “My son has been shot, too. Let’s consider this settled. Victor, let’s put this behind us and move forward together.”

“Fine,” Victor agreed. “Jeremiah, Layla, let’s go.”

As the Lorimer family left, Raylee followed without hesitation.

Harriet suddenly called out, her eyes red. “Raylee! I made your favorite mushroom soup. Would you come home for lunch tomorrow?”

Raylee didn’t turn. “No need. Thank you.” She walked away.

Harriet covered her mouth, stifling sobs as she clutched Raylee’s medical report. Waverly held her gently. “Mom, don’t worry. If we treat Raylee with sincerity, she’ll come around.”

After his wounds were treated, Jeremiah accompanied his father back to the Lorimer Estate.

Reaching the gates, he hesitated. “I’ll have my bodyguard take you back to the hospital,” he said. “I need to go home and deal with my father, but I’ll see you soon.”

Raylee, exhausted, nodded slightly.

Back in her hospital room, the sharp scent of antiseptic filled the air. She called her grandmother to reassure her before lying down.

Just as she was drifting off, the door creaked open. Her eyes snapped open. A figure entered.

Her expression hardened. “What are you doing here? I need to rest. Leave.”

Casimir didn’t move. He shut the door and walked toward the bed, extending both hands.

Kaylee’s grip tightened on the blanket as she leaned away. “What do you want?”

Casimir’s face stiffened, a deep frown furrowing his brow. “What do you think I want? We’re in a hospital.” His voice was tight with frustration. “After all these years, don’t you know what kind of person I am?”

Kaylee laughed coldly. “No. I really don’t.”

They had known each other since childhood. They had even been engaged. Even if he had never loved her, their time together had forged a bond.

So why, four years ago, had he chosen Waverly, a girl he barely knew?

She couldn’t understand, let alone accept it.