Chapter 46: Forget About the Betrothal Gifts
Samuel continued, “Wavy spent eighteen harsh years in your care. You saw how thin she was when she returned. Had I known you were returning for payback, I would have left you to rot in jail. It would have saved us from the chaos you've caused.”
“Alas, I’m back, and your nightmares are just beginning. As long as I’m here, don't even dream of peace in this household!” Kaylee’s eyes blazed with fierce hatred.
“All right, that’s enough bickering,” Alaric intervened, attempting to mediate. “Raylee, let the past be the past. Look at the present. Everything is moving in a positive direction. You’re about to marry into the Lorimer family. Becoming the lady of the Lorimer family is a significant position. Better days await you. Don't let the past dampen your spirits!”
“Better days?” Kaylee scoffed. “You’ve known about Jeremiah’s affairs abroad, haven't you? Don’t pretend you're unaware of his character. The future won't be the rosy picture you paint. I know your schemes. You only want to profit from my marriage to the Lorimers, exploiting me without regard for my well-being.”
Alaric and Harriet flushed with embarrassment.
Instantly regaining his composure, Alaric exclaimed, “Raylee, how could you think so poorly of your mother and me? What affairs abroad? We’ve heard nothing of the sort. However, it's true he's an illegitimate child, and his standing in the Lorimer family is likely insignificant. Regardless, the Goodridge family will always support you. If you’re ever wronged, we will stand by you!”
Kaylee watched him with a mocking smile. “You’re quite the orator. Enough. We’re all shrewd. Stop the charade. Since you plan to use me, treat me well, not disrespect me. You've forgotten who's in control!”
Samuel glared. “Raylee, is that how you speak to your father? You willingly marry into the Lorimer family, yet claim we don't care about your well-being? No one is forcing you. I’ll have the betrothal gifts returned immediately!”
Mockery filled Raylee’s eyes. “Not marrying? You’d have to ask Mom and Dad. If they say no, I won’t accept a penny and will have Matthew return everything immediately.”
Harriet quickly interjected, “That’s enough, Samuel. This is a good match. Don't let a moment's anger ruin your sister's happiness.”
“Mom, look at her arrogance! She hasn't even married into the Lorimers, and she's already acting superior. Imagine what she'll be like if we let her marry into that family!” Samuel complained.
A faint smile touched Raylee’s lips, but her tone was chillingly indifferent. “Let me reiterate: my name is Raylee Somers, not Raylee Goodridge. Even if I marry into the Lorimer family, I will do so under that name.”
Turning to Matthew, she said, “Please move all the betrothal gifts to Goodridge Manor, my grandmother’s place.”
Matthew, having witnessed the family's behavior, nodded. “Certainly, Ms. Somers. I'll move them now, including the pink diamond. Nothing will be left behind.”
Seeing the Goodridges' scowls, Raylee almost laughed. Matthew had a sense of humor.
Harriet’s expression tightened. “I don’t want the pink diamond anymore. But, Raylee, moving all the gifts to Goodridge Manor will look bad. We should keep some here.”
Alaric agreed. “Exactly. Who wouldn't keep the betrothal gifts at home? Don't worry, I’ll prepare your dowry, but the gifts must stay.”
“I don't care about a dowry. Forget about getting any of these betrothal gifts from me,” Raylee stated resolutely. “Matthew, proceed!”
“Right away!” Matthew immediately directed the workers.
Alaric and Harriet watched, faces grim, as baskets and boxes of priceless gifts were removed from the Goodridge residence. They couldn’t stop it; rumors of a fight over the gifts would be far worse.
“Look at her, obsessed with material wealth!” Samuel raged. “She claims she didn't marry Jeremiah for his money. Who would believe that?”