Chapter 78: Holding Her Hand
“Waverly wouldn’t mind; she’s not the petty type. She won’t get jealous over such trivial matters.”
“Casimir, look at how upset Waverly is!” Shanice protested. “And you still say she won’t mind? You’re lying through your teeth!”
Waverly feigned magnanimity, casually waving her hand.
“It’s okay, Shanice. Casimir is right; the more the merrier. Coming out today and encountering you is also a stroke of fate.”
Shanice, however, turned her accusations on Raylee. “You’re already engaged, so quit eyeing my brother. Don’t be greedy—wanting what’s in the pot while still eating from the bowl. And if you so much as lay a finger on Waverly, just wait and see how I handle you!”
Jeremiah’s gaze, sharp as an invisible blade, caused Shanice to shudder.
But she felt compelled to speak. She steeled herself and met Jeremiah’s eyes. “Mr. Lorimer, do you have any idea how Raylee used to chase after Casimir? To keep him from leaving, she even harmed herself! That’s why she’s stringing him along now, using her seductive tactics to make him infatuated. You need to be cautious. Marrying her would be like inviting infidelity!”
“Is Casimir some kind of treasure? Why should I be hung up on him?” Raylee retorted sarcastically.
“Ms. Sutherland, if my memory serves me correctly, you once attempted suicide for a man. Compared to your self-harm, that pales in comparison. May I ask, do you still love that man? Your affection must have been profound to drive you to such an extreme!”
“Who said I loved him? I wish he were dead!” Shanice’s temper flared. She was never one to hide her feelings.
Raylee deliberately dredged up those unbearable memories, igniting a deep-seated loathing. “Why did you have to bring up that despicable man? Are you looking for trouble?”
Kaylee looked down, glaring. “Exactly. You’re no longer in love with that man. So, on what grounds can you claim I’m still in love with Casimir? Do you understand empathy?”
Shanice’s face turned beet red with rage.
Waverly intervened quickly. “Kaylee, if you don’t like what Shanice is saying, there’s no need to expose her flaws, right? You know these are painful memories for her.”
Kaylee didn’t hold back. “She was quick to call out my flaws. So, is it one rule for the rich and another for the rest of us?”
“Raylee’s right,” Jeremiah added, patting her shoulder. “She spoke without thinking, hurting others. Now that the tables have turned, she can’t take it? Don’t be upset by people like this. The past is your past, not your fault. I won’t hold it against you.”
“Which eye of yours saw me getting angry?” Raylee smiled.
“All right, this crowd is getting too large. Let’s go our separate ways!” Samuel glanced at the two, then led the others away.
Casimir lingered, casting a longing glance at Raylee that lasted several seconds. Only when Waverly called him did he finally turn and leave.
“Did you see how your ex-fiancé looked at you? Like he’s the one still hanging on?” Jeremiah asked, a frown creasing his forehead.
“Who cares?” Raylee shrugged indifferently.
Feeling Jeremiah’s hand still resting on her shoulder, her face flushed crimson.
Chapter 78: Holding Her Hand
“Mr. Lorimer, aren’t we supposed to be hiking? Your hand…”
“Right, we’re hiking now, my dear fiancée. Give me your hand; we don’t want to get lost.”
Jeremiah moved his hand from her shoulder to take hers.
Raylee’s hand, frail as a withered branch, was held in his warm palm. A whirlwind of emotions swept through her heart.
Mountain climbing proved strenuous. They labored for two hours before reaching the mountain’s midpoint.
Upon finding the mural, Kaylee smiled joyfully. The fatigue was worth it.
Four years ago, just before her false imprisonment, it had been her grandmother’s birthday. Knowing her grandmother loved an ancient mural in Whitehorn Mountain, she’d planned a replica as a gift.
Unfortunately, wind and rain made the hike treacherous. She not only barely saw the mural but also lost something precious. Imprisoned, she carried regret and sorrow.
That object… Looking back, it was probably for the best that she lost it.
Kaylee delicately traced the mural, then took photos from various angles. She planned to recreate it, making up for the birthday gift.
“Raylee, come over here; the view is breathtaking!” Jeremiah stood at the cliff’s edge, captivated by the scenery, basking in the sun and gentle breeze.
Kaylee turned, losing herself in his dark eyes. He smiled, a handsome, charming smile.