Chapter 129: Deciding Her Own Marriage
Still kneeling, Raylee pleaded earnestly, “I can’t promise that I’d be happy after marrying into the Lorimer family, but I’m certain it would be better than my current situation! In the entire city, only the Lorimer family has enough power to help me escape from this predicament. I want to take control of my own life and honor. I hope you will support me!”
“I know you’ve suffered a lot living with the Goodwin family,” Vera said, her voice filled with both sympathy and regret. Wiping away her tears, she gently caressed Raylee’s cheek, her touch full of affection. “My dear, I respect your decision…”
At that moment, Samuel was outside, directing the movers as they prepared to transport the betrothal gifts back to the Lorimer family. When Raylee stepped out, he caught sight of her and was visibly thrilled. With a chuckle, he said, “Wouldn’t it have been better if you’d agreed to breaking off the engagement earlier? You had to drag Grandma into this, causing so much trouble and making everyone unhappy.”
He continued, “I forbid you from marrying Jeremiah for your own good. I can’t stand by and watch you blindly leap into a pit of fire. You’ll thank me for this one day!”
“You took it upon yourself to decide my marriage. Aren’t you afraid of our parents?” Raylee scoffed.
“You don’t need to worry about that,” he said casually. “I’m their only son. What’s the worst they could do besides scold me a little?”
With a confident air, Samuel’s eyes glowed with satisfaction. “What’s this? Are you actually worried about me?” he teased. “At least you have some conscience, acknowledging the effort I’ve put in.”
Raylee shot him a look but didn’t respond. As she watched the workers move box after box of betrothal gifts out of the mansion, she suddenly gave an order. “Enough. Put everything back where it was, then you can leave.”
The workers exchanged puzzled glances, clearly confused, and turned to look at Samuel.
“How can we break off the engagement without returning the betrothal gifts to the Lorimer family?” Samuel frowned. “I know you don’t want to call off the engagement, but this isn’t up to you. Grandma has the final say!”
“Grandma has already agreed to my marriage into the Lorimer family. There’s no need for you to interfere anymore.” Samuel’s expression darkened. “Impossible! You’re making this up!”
At that moment, Hazel stepped forward and gently reminded them, “Mr. Goodridge, Old Mrs. Goodridge just laid down. Please don’t make a fuss here. Have the workers bring the betrothal gifts back inside, then you may leave.”
“Hazel, tell me this isn’t true! Grandma’s really arranging for Raylee to marry Jeremiah?” Samuel exclaimed in shock. Hazel nodded. “It’s true. Old Mrs. Goodridge also said that Ray—Ray has her own thoughts, and you should stop interfering.” Without another word, Samuel stormed toward Vera’s room, determined to get an explanation.
Meanwhile, after directing the workers to return the betrothal gifts to their original place, Raylee was about to head back to her room. As she ascended the stairs, she ran into Samuel just as he was coming out of Vera’s room. His face was filled with disappointment—it was clear his attempt at negotiation had failed.
Kaylee glanced at him briefly but didn’t bother engaging. She continued upstairs on her own. Samuel quickly caught up, grabbing her arm in a firm grip, his teeth clenched. “Kaylee, don’t play hard to get! I’m asking you one last time—are you going to call off the marriage or not?”
Raylee’s arm throbbed painfully from his grip. She winced, struggling as she refused. “I won’t back down! No matter how many times you ask, my answer won’t change!”
“All right then, don’t blame me,” Samuel snapped before forcefully dragging her out of the Goodridge Manor.
“Samuel, what are you doing?” Raylee’s frail body was yanked forward, nearly stumbling apart. She struggled fiercely, but Samuel refused to let go. Panicked, she cried out, “Hazel! Grandma! Help me!”
The entire Goodridge Manor only had one live-in housekeeper, Hazel, but she was in Vera’s room and didn’t hear Raylee’s cries. Before Raylee could say more, Samuel clamped a hand over her mouth. His car was parked right at the entrance. Swinging the door open, he shoved her inside. “Samuel, what the hell are you doing? You can’t get what you want with words, so now you’re resorting to force? This is Grandma’s house—don’t you dare cross the line!”
Raylee raised her voice in anger, struggling with all her might. During the scuffle, her sharp nails left a few deep scratches on Samuel’s face. But he didn’t care in the slightest. Gritting his teeth, his voice was laced with resentment. “Ray—Ray, you forced my hand, so don’t blame me.”
With that, he reached under the seat and pulled out a rope and duct tape. He sealed her mouth shut, then bound her hands behind her back. The difference in strength between them was undeniable. Raylee felt like a helpless fish on a chopping board, completely at his mercy. She had no way to fight back.
Only then did Samuel finally feel at ease. He got into the driver’s seat and sped away from the mansion. Kaylee stared in horror at what lay ahead. With her mouth sealed shut, all she could manage were muffled, helpless cries. Never in her wildest dreams had she expected Samuel to take such a ruthless approach.