Chapter 50: Lingering Feelings

“Do you still have lingering feelings for that… that housekeeper’s daughter pretending to be something she’s not? What’s so captivating about her?”

Casimir’s face tightened. “If you don’t shut up, I’m pulling my investment from your company!” An intense aura emanated from him.

Shanice was furious, but dared not reply. “Wow! You’re threatening me with that, just because of her?”

While they argued, Raylee put on her shoe. She hadn't expected Casimir to defend her. In the past, such blatant favoritism would have left her flabbergasted, overjoyed. Now, she felt nothing. She couldn't understand his sudden tenderness. Could it be lingering feelings, as Shanice suggested? He’d never shown them before. Confused, she stopped pondering, turned, and limped away.

“Get in my car! You’ve hurt your foot; I’m taking you to the hospital!” Casimir rushed to her, grabbing her arm with concern.

Waverly rushed forward. “Caz, what about me? If you’re taking Raylee, what about our date?” She’d gone to great lengths to secure a Christmas date with Casimir, only to be upstaged by Raylee.

“Your sister is hurt. I need to take her to the hospital. I might miss Christmas dinner; you should go alone.” He didn't look at Waverly.

Tears welled in Waverly’s eyes. “Caz, how could you? You’ve never spent time with me. I finally got a date, and you’re running off with my sister! I’m your fiancée!”

Casimir cut her off, his brow furrowed. “Waverly, your sister is hurt. Can’t you see? I’m taking her to the hospital, not on a sightseeing trip. And you’re always saying how much you care for Raylee, yet you show no concern now? You’re sulking?”

Waverly was speechless. How impulsive she'd been! She’d cultivated an image of understanding and gentleness with Casimir; how had it morphed into this?

Raylee spoke indifferently. “There’s a hospital up ahead. I can get there myself. Don’t involve me. I don’t want to be labeled a vixen.”

She gritted her teeth against the pain and headed toward the hospital, truly wanting no further entanglement.

Casimir wanted to follow, but seeing Waverly, his feet felt heavy. His fiancée was beside him, yet he showed such concern for his ex-fiancée. Was he even a man? His excessive concern for Raylee risked labeling her a homewrecker. Watching her solitary figure, heartache washed over him. Even with his attentiveness, she hadn’t smiled. The cheerful Raylee was gone, replaced by a wounded, mistreated puppy.

Waverly, regaining composure, apologized. “Caz, I was too headstrong. I shouldn’t have gotten angry with Raylee. Let’s take her to the hospital. Considering your history, your childhood friendship, and past engagement, it’s natural to care for her. I was insensitive.”

A hint of tenderness crept into Casimir’s eyes. “Let bygones be bygones, Waverly. The woman I intend to marry is you.”

Tears streamed down Waverly’s face. She reached for him, but he gently pushed her away. “I need a phone call.”

He called Percival. “Percival, go to Gracewell Hospital on Rainbow Springs Road now. Treat Raylee’s foot. She’s injured.”

Percival responded with sarcastic awe. “Mr. Sutherland, are you seriously becoming a simp?” He quickly added, “All right, I’m on my way. A renowned medical expert, at your beck and call! Such is my turbulent life!”

Waverly’s face turned green with envy. She knew Percival. Casimir had arranged for this renowned expert to treat Raylee.