Chapter 72: Accused of Being Petty
Her movements were gentle as she wiped with meticulous care. Her long hair, cascading to her shoulders, partially concealed her face. Gentle sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow on her slender figure. Despite the hospital gown, she exuded an aura of understated elegance and refined grace. The silence was profound; the scene resembled a masterpiece.
Casimir stared intently at Raylee, as if admiring a beautiful oil painting. Raylee met his gaze. On her pale, bruised face, an emptiness resided, as if she were a soulless shell. Casimir felt a hammer blow against his chest, sending waves of pain through him. Four years had transformed the lively girl into a gentle, unassuming soul—a little fairy lost in the human world, seemingly detached from worldly matters. The Raylee of the past had vanished.
At that moment, Waverly approached. “Raylee, your injuries are worse than mine; let me take over caring for Grandma!” As if to impress Casimir, she hastily took the towel and began dabbing at Vera's face.
Watching Waverly fumble, Raylee recalled her conversation with Duce. Waverly had grown impatient caring for her grandmother, even wishing her dead in frustration. Fury ignited within Raylee; she snatched back the towel. “You’re not allowed to touch Grandma!”
The ensuing struggle was forceful; Waverly lost her balance, whether genuinely or theatrically. Casimir supported her, seeing her reddened eyes and pitiful expression. “Waverly just wanted to care for Mrs. Goodridge, and you wouldn’t let her? That’s controlling! The woman in the sickbed is Waverly’s grandmother!”
The unspoken message was clear: Raylee had no blood ties to Vera; therefore, no right to care for her.
Raylee laughed, fueled by anger. “That’s right, I share no blood ties with Grandma! But my care is genuine, unlike Waverly’s.”
Waverly's tears flowed freely. “I’m not just doing it for show. How could you speak of me like that…?”
“Has it been four years since you returned?” Raylee asked, her tone suggesting a reckoning. “How often have you truly been there for Grandma? Have you ever truly cared? Think about it—after being switched at birth and left to fend for yourself for eighteen years, she should have been wracked with guilt and showered you with love upon your return. But her attitude was plain for all to see. People give back what they receive. If you had treated Grandma well, she would have done the same. Insincerity breeds no gratitude.”
Kaylee cast a cold glance at her. “Those past days, whether your intentions were genuine or not, I have no interest in knowing! But I’m warning you, you triggered Grandma’s illness this time. I don’t want to see you, and neither does Grandma. So, get out.”
She pointed to the door. Waverly sobbed uncontrollably. “Raylee,” she gasped, “I don’t know how to make you believe me. I truly didn’t mean for our grandmother to fall…”
Seeing her distress, Casimir felt guilt and stepped forward. “I’ve heard what’s been going on. I believe Waverly. She was merely trying to help Samuel; she’s not malicious enough to harm her own grandmother.”
Raylee coldly interrupted. “Enough. She’s innocent and I’m the villain, happy now? I don’t have time for your nonsense; please leave!”
“That’s not what I meant, Raylee. Can you please listen and not be so extreme?”
“Ah yes, yes, you’re right!” Raylee gave him a sidelong glance.
Her nonchalance infuriated Casimir. “Would Waverly have felt the need to beg for mercy if you hadn’t insisted on holding Samuel accountable? If we’re pointing fingers, you’re not blameless! Waverly’s mistake was prioritizing her brother; yours? Being petty and unforgiving!”
Feeling unfairly accused, Raylee’s anger flared. She stormed toward Casimir, her eyes locked on him. “Shouldn’t I hold Samuel accountable?”