Chapter 87: A Battle of Persistence

“I wish Ecomild had done it all in one go,” Casimir sighed helplessly. “But it’s not like forcing things.”

“The hardest part is always the beginning,” he continued. “I want to win your heart, to have a place in your thoughts. At the very least, I want to be in your line of sight.”

“So you came up with this ridiculous plan? You think that every time I see this bracelet, I’ll automatically think of you?” Haylee asked.

Casimir nodded slightly. “You’re quite clever.”

Haylee, ashamed by his shamelessness, felt irritation surge through her. Without hesitation, she yanked off the bracelet. “Sorry, but I won’t back down. Whoever wants this stupid thing can have it.”

She flung the bracelet to the ground, but Casimir caught it effortlessly. His expression darkened as he pushed her back onto the hospital bed, forcefully fastening the bracelet around her wrist again. His eyes burned with fury, an intensity she had rarely seen in him. His grip was so tight she thought he might break her wrist.

His usually steady voice had taken on a dangerous edge as he seized her chin and warned, “You’re only going to say this once. If you take it off again, I’ll go straight to Old Miss Goodridge and tell her you nearly died falling off that cliff.”

Haylee’s anger flared. “If you dare to stress Grandma out, I’ll fight you to the end!”

The tension between them was suffocating. Finally, Casimir relented. “Ray-Ray, I’m not asking you to wear it forever. Just for a month, okay?” His tone softened, carrying a rare hint of pleading.

Haylee stared at him, an unexplainable frustration rising in her chest. She turned her head sharply, shaking off his grip. Her emotions were in turmoil; perhaps it was the pleading in his voice that got to her. Before she could stop herself, she said, “Ten days.”

Casimir straightened, his tall figure draped in a sleek black suit. A rare warmth softened his sharp, refined features, his lips curving slightly in satisfaction. “Get some rest. I won’t bother you anymore.”

Haylee watched him leave, her gaze lingering on his retreating figure. Then, she lowered her eyes to the pebble bracelet on her wrist—a small chain, yet it felt like a shackle, binding her in ways she couldn’t explain.

Had he cherished her like this before, she wouldn’t have seen it as a shackle. She might have even felt the warmth of happiness and sweetness. But if she allowed his feelings to spiral any further, could she truly let go? The indelible mark of her first crush and past love was not to be underestimated.

Haylee let out a heavy sigh. Tonight, she knew sleep would evade her.

Two days later, she was discharged from the hospital.

A week later, an unexpected invitation arrived from Jeremiah, asking her to join him for tea at the Lorimer Estate. She refused without hesitation. Ever since her fall from the cliff, his concern had been minimal. She even started to wonder if he had completely forgotten about her—his fiancée! And she was still waiting for him to reclaim the betrothal gifts and officially call off the engagement.

Shortly after she declined, Layla called. Her sweet voice drifted through the phone. “Ray-Ray, I’m hosting a tea party with some friends from our circle. If you’re free, do join us.”

Unable to resist Layla’s persistence, Raylee reluctantly agreed. Then came a pause before Layla hesitantly added, “If possible, could you bring your brother Samuel along? It would liven things up.”

“Layla, you should ask him yourself. Things are tense between us right now.”

“Alright, no problem. I’m just happy you’re coming. No need for a gift; just having you there makes me happy.”

Raylee took a cab to the Lorimer Estate. At the venue, Layla greeted her warmly and personally handed her a small cake. “By the way, what’s going on between you and Samuel? Is it about that poolside shooting incident? Is he still holding it against you?”

“Layla, if you want to know about Samuel, ask him yourself. I don’t want to talk about him.”

“Alright, I get it. Every family has its own troubles,” Layla said gently, patting her shoulder.

Raylee studied the elegantly dressed woman in front of her. She hesitated, wanting to say something but ultimately holding back. She knew about Layla’s unresolved past with Samuel. A part of her wanted to remind Layla that she was a married woman now, and the past should stay in the past. But after some thought, she decided it was best not to interfere. Getting involved in someone else’s drama meant dealing with the fallout, especially when it came to that stupid Samuel. She had no intention of getting caught in his mess.

“Ray-Ray, Jeremiah’s still asleep. Could you go wake him up?” Layla asked.