Chapter 65: Please Forgive Her
It felt like enduring a harsh prison sentence; even the slightest movement brought extreme discomfort. This was all thanks to Harriet, who’d shoved her down the stairs for the sake of her precious daughter. Raylee’s face, once pale, now burned with anger.
“You survived. How lucky,” Samuel mocked.
Raylee gave him a cold look, refusing to engage.
“Hmph, you’re fine, but Waverly isn’t! You’ve driven her to a depressive episode; she’s even contemplating suicide!” Samuel’s face was ashen as he glared. “How could you pull off her wig? You knew it was her deepest insecurity, a pain she could never escape. What you did was tantamount to taking her life!”
Raylee’s eyes burned with disgust. “So what if she hurt my grandmother? Does my life mean less than hers? Is our grandmother’s life worth more?” Her voice was sharp, unwavering. “Samuel, favor her all you want, but don’t expect the world to bend to your whims!”
Samuel’s heart skipped a beat. Once, he’d been utterly devoted to Raylee, wanting only to spoil her and make her happy. But now… how had things spiraled so far?
He sighed, attempting to reason. “That was an accident. Waverly intended to plead on my behalf; she never meant to hurt Grandma. She didn’t do it on purpose, unlike the damage you inflicted on her. It’s not the same!”
Harriet hurried into the sickroom and launched into a tirade against Samuel. “Your sister just woke up, and you’re already arguing? Are you even human?”
“Waverly was pushed to her limits—was I supposed to stand by and watch?” Samuel’s expression hardened. “I can’t do that!”
“Waverly is your sister, but isn’t Raylee, too? Raylee is hurt! You’re being too biased,” Harriet’s face hardened.
Interrupting their argument, Raylee remarked sarcastically, “Firstly, I am not his sister; I have no ties to your family. Secondly, spare me your crocodile tears. After all, I nearly died thanks to you.”
Harriet was taken aback by Raylee’s coldness. Her words were like a knife, tearing at her heart. Flustered, she explained, “Raylee, I didn’t do it on purpose. I raised you; how could I harm you?”
“But you did harm me!” Raylee’s voice was soft, yet laced with resentment. “You raised me for eighteen years, deeply loved me, yet you left me on the brink of death! I wish you’d never cared for me. I regret ever calling you ‘Mom’ because you don’t deserve it!”
“Raylee, I’m sorry…”
“Enough!” Samuel rebuked angrily. “First, you hurt Waverly, and now Mom. Are you only satisfied when our family is dead?”
“What’s all this talk about dying? If you can’t speak properly, then be quiet.” Alaric’s stern reprimand echoed from outside.
He entered, hands clasped behind his back, each step heavy. Waverly trailed behind, her head hung low, sobbing softly. Seeing this seemingly perfect family, Raylee’s pain intensified.
“Raylee, I’m relieved you’re awake,” Alaric said, approaching. “The doctor said it’s superficial; you’ll be fine after a few days’ rest.”
Raylee glanced at him, then at Waverly. “Didn’t they say that with depression, one seeks death? How come you’re still alive?”
Samuel was about to defend Waverly, but Alaric glared at him. “Wavy jumped from the second floor. We rushed her to the psychiatric department, and her emotional state improved. Raylee, Waverly has learned her lesson. Can you forgive her?”
“Just because it’s the second floor, I’m supposed to forgive her?” Raylee’s tone dripped with sarcasm. “Take a leap from the twentieth floor, then I might reconsider!”
“Jumping from the twentieth floor! Raylee, are you wishing for Waverly’s death?” Alaric asked seriously. “Your hatred stems from Samuel having you committed. That institution is disbanded. If you’re still not appeased, I’ll have Samuel kneel and apologize!”