Chapter 219: Mutual Affection
The Raylee of the past was long gone, and the woman she had become held no illusions about love.
“Percival, stop trying to stir up trouble with your words. Saying ‘Ray-Ray’ has no value; do you really think I, Casimir, am that shallow?” Casimir firmly denied it.
“Isn’t that the case? Ray-Ray is an adopted child from a less privileged background. How could she possibly be a match for you, Casimir?” Percival sarcastically stared at him. “Ask yourself sincerely. I refuse to believe you’ve never thought of it!”
Gritting his teeth, Casimir glared fiercely at Percival. In the next moment, he abruptly stepped forward, gripping Percival’s collar with force. His teeth were clenched so tightly that they made a grinding sound. “Do you really think your words can drive a wedge between Ray-Ray and me? Let me tell you something. I am the one Ray-Ray likes! Even though we’re at odds now, she can’t let go of me. That’s because ever since she was a child, I’ve been the one she loved! It’s a profound love that one can never forget in this lifetime! So, even if you’ve taken advantage of the situation, you will never win her heart!”
Originally, it was a battlefield between Samuel and Percival. Suddenly, it turned into a fierce showdown between Casimir and Percival. Moreover, when Casimir lost his temper, he was no better than Samuel. As it looked like the two were about to start fighting again, the scene became increasingly chaotic.
Raylee rushed over, forcefully prying Casimir’s hand from Percival’s collar. She spread her arms wide again, blocking Percival’s path, and vehemently rebuked, “Samuel is a lunatic, and you, Casimir, are just as insane! I don’t care whether you’ve been drinking or how much you’ve had. If you dare lay a hand on Dr. Shapiro again, you’ll have to step over my dead body first!”
The once proud and confident Casimir suddenly wilted. Like a lifeless fish, he weakly asked, “Ray-Ray, are you really that fond of him? I’m your beloved Caz, aren’t I? You’ve always been around me since we were little. It’s only been four years. How have you already changed your heart?”
Samuel also uttered in anger, “Raylee, no matter how much you adore Percival, I will not let your relationship flourish! Don’t blame me for forcing you guys apart. I’m doing it for the Goodridge family and your safety. You can’t be in a relationship right now! If you really want to be in a relationship with him, I suggest you wait a bit longer. Jeremiah’s death is still fresh. You should at least observe a mourning period. After a year or two, I won’t stop you from seeking your true love. However, it can’t be with Percival.”
Raylee was utterly frustrated. I’m not dating Percival! Why don’t they get it? They’re both deaf, aren’t they? Why won’t they listen? Samuel has even taken it to a whole new level, even suggesting that I should observe a mourning period for Jeremiah! What era does he think we’re living in?
“Today’s situation involves both misunderstandings and conflicts that must be resolved,” Percival said, looking at Casimir and Samuel. “Let’s all cool down. Instead of resorting to fists, let’s talk it out and resolve this stalemate, all right?”
After a moment of hesitation, the two of them nodded in agreement. Casimir then said to Raylee, “Ray-Ray, there’s a café over there. Why don’t you go and take a seat first?”
“No. What if you guys start fighting again?” Raylee expressed her concern.
Percival couldn’t help but chuckle. “Seriously, if a fight breaks out, you, a delicate lady, won’t be able to stop it. Why don’t you step aside?”
Left with no other choice, Raylee had to agree. On her way to the café, she frequently looked back, catching Percival’s gaze filled with worry. Seeing that, Casimir was bursting with frustration. From his perspective, he thought he saw mutual affection between Raylee and Percival because Raylee seemed reluctant to leave. In fact, it seemed their gazes were nearly intertwined.
After Raylee departed, Percival’s affectionate gaze instantly vanished. When he turned to look at the two men, he uttered seriously, “Can we have a proper conversation now? Let me say this again. There’s no romantic relationship between Ray-Ray and me. We’re simply just friends! You may slander me if you wish, but could you refrain from unjustly accusing an innocent girl? It’s already a miracle that she’s alive, yet she has to endure all these malicious speculations. Don’t your consciences ache?”
Casimir and Samuel exchanged glances, both falling into silence and beginning to reconsider the impulsive actions they had just taken.
“Raylee denied it several times, but I was under the influence of alcohol earlier and didn’t listen to her explanation. Are you two really not in a relationship? Swear on it! If you lie, your whole family will perish!” Samuel said.
Percival was at his wit’s end. “Mr. Goodridge, only children make such vows, you know? You know what? Forget it. I swear! If I lie, may my entire family perish!”