Chapter 2 You Are Still My Daughter

Without uttering a single word, Raylee still took the passenger seat. Samuel couldn't contain his frustration. “Raylee, you're really something!” They journeyed in silence for half an hour. When the car arrived at the hospital, Raylee carefully stepped out. Her leg was hurting, and she nearly fell as she got out of the car. Suddenly, a figure rushed over and caught her. It was Harriet, the mother who once loved her the most. Dressed in a high-end Chanel-style dress with meticulously applied makeup, Waverly closely followed behind. Compared to her thin appearance four years ago, Waverly had now blossomed into a picture of health and beauty, with red lips and white teeth. “Ray-Ray, I miss you so much,” Harriet said, her voice filled with emotion. Raylee gently pushed her away and gave a slight bow. “Hello, Mrs. Goodridge.” Harriet was taken aback. “Ray-Ray, you...” Raylee remained silent. Five days after she was imprisoned four years ago, Alaric had drafted a declaration of disownment in front of the Lorimer family. They even brought it to the prison for her to sign. Afterward, she changed her name to Raylee Somers. Others might not be aware, but Harriet was indeed knowledgeable about this matter. Perhaps driven by guilt, Harriet's tears abruptly fell. Her voice was gentle and filled with affection as she said, “Ray-Ray, it's all in the past now. Let's not bring up what happened before. You look rather pale. Are you sick?” Raylee nonchalantly shook her head. Gently, Waverly consoled, “Mom, Raylee must have had a tough time in prison. Don't be upset. What matters is that she's back home safely.” Harriet nodded with relief. “Yes, safety is what matters most. Nothing else is important.” Waverly pulled out a box of pastries from her bag. “Raylee, are you hungry? These are pastries that Casimir gave me. Would you like to try some?” Her eyes were crystal clear, always revealing a sense of timidity and humility when she looked at Raylee. The sight of her stirred a sense of pity in others. It was just like it had been four years ago. However, when she mentioned Casimir Sutherland's name, there was an undeniable hint of pride in her voice. Casimir was the pain etched in Raylee's heart. She glanced at Waverly but didn't say a word or accept the pastries. Confronted with Raylee's indifference, Samuel barked, “Waverly kindly brought you some pastries. Why won't you eat them? Those are her favorite pastries! After spending several years in prison, have you lost even the most basic manners?” Observing Samuel's visibly irritated demeanor, Harriet shot him a stern look. “You are not allowed to curse at your sister!” She then gently took hold of Raylee's arm, offering words of comfort. “Ray-Ray, don't take your brother's words to heart. As long as I'm here, no one can bully you.” Her eyes were bloodshot, filled with genuine guilt and heartache for Raylee. Numbly, Raylee withdrew her hand and took a step back, maintaining a distance from Harriet. This scene fueled Samuel's irritation once more. “Raylee, don't push your luck!” “Samuel, will you ever stop? Your sister just got out of prison. Why on earth are you losing your temper at her?” Harriet scolded. “Mom, you can't always let her have her way!” Samuel's anger flared up again. He growled at Raylee, “It was one thing for you to show your displeasure to me and Waverly, but why on earth did you have to act that way toward Mom? She's been losing sleep and skipping meals because of you! The Goodridge family treated you like a princess for eighteen years, providing you with everything you needed without you lifting a finger. The Goodridge family owes you nothing! Drop your high and mighty attitude right now, or go back to prison!” Raylee couldn't help but laugh bitterly in her heart. No matter what she did, it was always wrong. It felt as if she were a piece of trash, kicked around at their whim, and she wasn't supposed to have any emotions, let alone express them. Seeing that Raylee remained silent, Harriet was somewhat displeased. But she still reprimanded Samuel, “Your sister endured hardship for four years. Her mindset hasn't recovered yet. Stop berating her!” She then softly said to Raylee, “Your grandma knew you were coming home today, and her spirits lifted considerably! Head over to the nearby hotel, get a room, and take a shower. Freshen up and dress nicely before you see her in the hospital. Don't worry, you're still my daughter, and I love you just as much as before.” Really? Can a shattered mirror ever be made whole again? Upon hearing these words of affection, Raylee felt no emotion. She nodded, her face expressionless, and turned to leave. Arriving at the hotel next to the hospital, she realized she was penniless and couldn't afford a room. She turned to leave and unexpectedly bumped into a solid figure. A throbbing pain pulsed in her forehead. “Ms. Goodridge?” A voice laced with a hint of cold indifference rang out. Raylee's heart gave a shudder when she heard that familiar voice. Her already frozen body felt as if it had been torn open, filled with an even more biting cold wind. Looking up, she saw that familiar and handsome face. It was Casimir, the son of the Sutherland family, the third most prestigious family in Jexburgh, and her ex-fiancé. Raylee gave a bow and greeted him expressionlessly, “Hello, Mr. Sutherland.” Observing her thin clothing and gaunt cheeks, as if she had been seriously ill, Casimir asked, “Ms. Goodridge, did you just get released today?” “Yes...” Raylee nodded gently. The air fell silent for a good ten seconds. Raylee didn't utter another word, which completely threw Casimir for a loop. She used to be quite the chatterbox, always chattering non-stop in his ear. He disliked women who talked too much, and although he didn't distance himself from her due to her talkativeness, he would unabashedly show his disdain. Occasionally, when she thoroughly annoyed him, he would tell her to shut up. Whenever she noticed he was upset, she would sing to cheer him up. Her voice was melodious and pleasing to the ears, and she sang beautifully. However, even after she finished singing, her mouth kept on chattering incessantly. It had been four years since they last saw each other, yet she had responded with just one word. Both of them remained silent, creating an especially awkward atmosphere. Suddenly, Casimir's gaze fell on Raylee's slender legs. He had seen her limping along moments ago and reckoned she must be injured. With a cool tone, he said, “Let me get a room for you.” Raylee shook her head, about to refuse. Casimir's serious tone interrupted her, “With your leg in such a condition and without money for a room, can you stop pretending to be fine? Your grandmother is still in the hospital. Don't you want to tidy up quickly and go see her?” Raylee lifted her gaze to look at Casimir. His eyes were a deep black, and his handsome face emanated an irresistible, commanding presence. She didn't care about him. But when she thought of Vera Fanning, her numb heart started to ache. There was no doubt that Vera had pulled some strings behind the scenes for her early release from prison. After four years apart, she truly missed her dearly. She yearned to see her immediately. “Then I must trouble you, Mr. Sutherland,” Raylee responded. Casimir spent money to book her a room and, with a firm attitude, escorted her to the room. She followed behind him. His tall and imposing figure was perfectly straight, and he carried a faint scent of classic cologne that wafted into her nostrils. Raylee was slightly taken aback. They hadn't seen each other for four years. Casimir had shed his youthful innocence and now radiated the aura of a mature man. Not too long ago, he had made the news while she was still in prison. Touted as a prodigy in his youth, he had already assumed the position of CEO of Sutherland Group's Aploth-Pacific region at a tender age. His future was boundless and full of promise. This man, a rare combination of good looks and competence, had once driven Raylee to the brink of wild obsession, so much so that even now, her heart still fluttered uncontrollably when she saw him. However, he didn't love her. He didn't love her at all. Before, she had felt that Casimir was indifferent to everyone, like a stone that couldn't be warmed. But she firmly believed that as long as she continued to love him, she would eventually warm his heart. Then Waverly returned. The look of love for someone couldn't be hidden. Casimir's gaze upon Waverly was filled with intense passion and doting affection. Raylee suddenly realized that Casimir wasn't cold by nature; he was just indifferent toward her. Simply by standing there, doing nothing, Waverly was able to capture his favor. Harriet could also tell there was mutual affection between Casimir and Waverly. Within a few months of Waverly's return, Harriet proposed that Raylee should give the engagement with Casimir back to Waverly. It was an arranged childhood engagement between the Sutherland and Goodridge families, involving the union of their children. Raylee envied and felt jealous of Waverly, unwilling to break off the engagement. Despite her stance, Harriet was unwavering. It didn't matter if Raylee was unwilling; there was no room for negotiation. Four years had passed. Not long ago, while in prison, Raylee had come across a report stating that Casimir was still a most eligible bachelor. Is it possible that Casimir and Waverly still haven't gotten married yet?